Ascension St. Francis Hospital - Milwaukee, 2025 Community Benefits
Ascension Wisconsin’s “Meds to Beds” Program Boosts Recovery and Patient Outcomes
The Ascension Wisconsin “Meds to Beds” program ensures patients at Ascension St. Francis Hospital smoothly transition from hospital to home with the appropriate medications. Nationally, studies have shown that approximately 22% of patients never fill their prescriptions within 30 days of discharge, and only 20% fill them immediately upon discharge.
During a patient’s hospital stay, an Ascension Wisconsin pharmacy team member completes a full medication review.
“Ensuring patients have access to medications prior to discharge improves outcomes by eliminating one additional stop post-discharge,” Mo Kharbat, Ascension Wisconsin VP of Pharmacy said. “By integrating our pharmacy team into the patient’s care before discharge, we are able to help identify free or low-cost medication options for vulnerable patients.”
Patients also may choose to have their discharge medications delivered to their bedside. Ascension Wisconsin effectively administers Meds to Beds with savings from the 340B program, which supports Ascension’s ability to continue to serve the most vulnerable including those enrolled in Medicaid, the uninsured, and the underinsured. Ascension’s hospitals and caregivers continue to make a difference in the lives of those who are most vulnerable in the communities they are privileged to serve.
In addition to Ascension St. Francis, the “Meds to Beds” Program is offered at many Ascension Wisconsin hospital locations including Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Elmbrook Campus, Ascension SE WI Hospital - St. Joseph Campus, Ascension SE WI Hospital - Franklin Campus, Ascension All Saints Hospital, Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Ozaukee Campus and Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Milwaukee Campus.
Ascension Wisconsin Brings Care to Milwaukee’s South Side Through its Medical Mission
Held in the neighborhood served by Ascension St. Francis Hospital, the event brought health and healing directly to residents who may face barriers to care. Rooted in the hospital’s longstanding commitment to its south side community, the initiative extended Ascension’s spirit of service beyond the hospital campus and into the neighborhood.
More than 200 Ascension Wisconsin associates, clinicians, and community partners volunteered their time and expertise to make the day possible. Together, they offered a range of essential health services—free of charge—to individuals and families in need.
Attendees received care and support through several offerings, including primary care consultations and screenings, dental services, diabetes-focused podiatry care, flu shots, prescriptions, and spiritual services such as foot washing. Community resource partners were also on site to provide education, referrals, and follow-up support to help individuals continue their health journey beyond the event.
“Our Medical Mission at Home is a testament to our enduring commitment to the health and well-being of our community," said Jonathon Matuszewski, Ascension St. Francis Hospital, president. “We are honored to bring compassionate care directly to our neighbors, ensuring that everyone has access to the services they need to thrive."
Interpretation services were available to ensure accessibility for all attendees, reflecting Ascension Wisconsin’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to care.
With a legacy of service spanning more than 175 years, Ascension Wisconsin continues to live its Mission by reaching those in need and serving all persons with special attention to those most vulnerable. The Medical Mission at Home is one more way Ascension Wisconsin is working to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
