Creativity isn’t the first word most people associate with hospital pharmacies, but at St. Croix Health, creativity is often the difference between a prescription and a path forward. For patients facing cancer, chronic illness, or life-changing diagnoses like diabetes, our pharmacy staff serve as vital problem-solvers—connecting people with the medications they need to live and heal. For uninsured or underinsured patients, the cost of oncology, infusion, or diabetes medications can feel overwhelming or even impossible. That’s when our pharmacy team steps in. With persistence, compassion, and determination, they work behind the scenes to ensure patients never have to choose between financial stability and life-saving care.

The process is rarely simple. Securing medications at no or reduced cost can take up to 16 hours of staff time per patient. While their efforts are not reimbursable, their impact is immeasurable. Each case may involve multiple phone calls, extensive research, and deep knowledge of manufacturer assistance programs. Pharmacy staff guide patients through complex enrollment forms, connect them with nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations, and provide critical support with co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance.

“St. Croix Health doesn’t necessarily provide oncology or infusion services for free, but we do provide uncompensated care coordination to help patients access the medications they need at an affordable price,” says Pharmacy Director Anita Lundquist. “Some of these drugs are extremely expensive. It would be tragic if our patients had to go without them simply because of cost.”

Unlike larger healthcare systems with dedicated departments for medication access, St. Croix Health relies on the ingenuity and perseverance of its staff. Despite limited resources, our pharmacy team has built expertise in navigating a complicated system, ensuring patients in our rural communities receive the same opportunities as those treated in bigger cities. The result is more than just medication—it’s peace of mind, relief from financial stress, and a chance for patients to focus on healing instead of worrying about bills. Every approval letter and every shipment of medication is a tangible reminder that compassionate care goes beyond the clinic walls.

At St. Croix Health, we believe healthcare is about more than treating illness—it’s about standing with patients through every barrier they face. Our pharmacy team embodies that commitment, working tirelessly so no patient goes without the medications they need to live, recover, and thrive.