McKesson Launches Micro-Access Pharmacy Initiative to Combat Pharmacy Deserts in Underserved Communities
Key Insights
McKesson's Project MAP embeds micro-access pharmacies within federally qualified health centers (search) (FQHCs (search)) to address pharmacy deserts (search) and improve medication access in underserved communities.
The initiative has launched six pilot sites across Texas and Colorado, offering a sustainable solution that combines clinical care with pharmacy services at trusted community health centers.
Pharmacists receive comprehensive support including 340B expertise, technology integration, and telepharmacy capabilities to extend care reach while maintaining long-term viability through rigorous site evaluation processes.
Pharmacy closures across the United States have created expanding "pharmacy deserts (search)" that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, leaving many without access to essential medications and pharmaceutical care. McKesson's micro-access pharmacy initiative, known as Project MAP, is addressing this critical healthcare gap by strategically embedding pharmacies within federally qualified health centers (search) (FQHCs (search)) to restore medication access in underserved communities.
The initiative has launched six pilot sites across Texas and Colorado, each tailored to meet specific community needs ranging from remote vending solutions to full-service pharmacies serving as the sole access point in their communities. According to Niki Shah, MHSA, MBA, CCHW, the placement strategy focuses on areas where "pharmacies may be the only point of care" and aims to create sustainable solutions rather than temporary interventions.
Addressing Multi-Layered Access Barriers
Patients in underserved areas face complex barriers beyond simple geographic access to pharmacies. "Simply, a lot of the pharmacies that have closed are in these communities. So sheer access is an issue in itself," Shah explained. "Then you layer on some of the other barriers that people in these communities have, like transportation—how do they get to the pharmacy? Accessing proper nutrition, so that the medications they're taking actually work."
The micro-access pharmacy model addresses these challenges by embedding pharmaceutical services within trusted healthcare venues. Raj Chhadua, PharmD, noted that FQHCs (search) "provide really good care in these rural areas" but often face a disconnect in medication fulfillment that can compromise health outcomes.
Enhancing Care Continuity Through Integration
The integration of pharmacy services within FQHCs (search) creates what Chhadua describes as "seamless A-to-Z connectivity from clinic-based care to pharmacy wraparound services." This model allows pharmacy teams to help patients navigate medication barriers while providing education and coaching on medication adherence.
"Having these micro pharmacies that are affiliated or closely tied to these federally qualified health centers (search) allows us to potentially increase the likelihood that the patient obtains their medication," Chhadua explained. The approach leverages the trust that FQHCs (search) have established in their communities, with Shah noting that "when patients have mistrust in the community, federally qualified health centers are often the source of truth."
Technology Integration and Telepharmacy Expansion
The initiative incorporates telepharmacy and virtual care technologies to extend pharmacist reach, particularly in remote areas facing provider shortages. Chhadua emphasized that technology serves as "a support system that wraps around my core pharmacy business and allows me to extend my pharmacy service access to areas that might not have it."
McKesson is exploring ways to embed specialty care services within pharmacies and expand the breadth of services provided. "We're exploring ways that are patient-centric but also support the pharmacist, so that they're able to see more patients in a shorter amount of time and meet more of their needs in a more efficient way," Shah said.
Regulatory Support and Policy Enablers
The growth of micro-access pharmacies has been facilitated by regulatory changes allowing pharmacists to practice at the top of their license. Chhadua highlighted the expansion of collaborative practice agreements and the ability for pharmacists to utilize remote patient monitoring technologies to track digital biometrics and support long-term health goals.
However, barriers remain, particularly around 340B program (search) support. "We need more policies around that," Chhadua noted, emphasizing that these pharmacies "are truly doing what the 340B process and FQHC support were meant to do: support rural areas."
Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability
The initiative employs a rigorous evaluation process to ensure long-term viability. Shah described the comprehensive assessment approach: "We want to make sure this is not just a short-term fix. We want to ensure that where the needs are identified, we're able to not only address those needs through placing the pharmacy there, but also evaluate things like the patient mix, the patient payer mix, the prescription mix."
An advisory committee evaluates potential sites before implementation, examining factors including panel size and business model viability. "Making sure this is not a here-today, gone-tomorrow situation was really important in evaluating this effort," Shah emphasized.
Comprehensive Support Framework
McKesson provides extensive support to participating sites, though pharmacies maintain freedom of choice in vendor selection. The support framework includes 340B expertise, pharmacy design and buildout assistance, technology support, and operational guidance. "We have a large array of experts internally," Shah noted, with support tailored to each site's maturity level and specific needs.
Implementation Lessons and Future Expansion
The pilot implementations revealed important insights about the complexity of pharmacy operations for clinical providers. "The assumption is, because FQHCs (search) are clinical providers, that they know how to do everything. In reality, pharmacy is a brand-new space for them, with a lot of regulations they had to navigate," Shah observed.
For pharmacists considering this practice model, Chhadua recommends developing deep understanding of the 340B space and FQHC model, identifying community needs, and aligning those needs with pharmacy capabilities. "Once you've got that, aligning those needs with your pharmacy's capabilities—and your own as a pharmacist—creates a meaningful, community-focused partnership and a higher level of success," he advised.
The initiative represents a collaborative approach to addressing healthcare access challenges, with Chhadua noting that FQHCs (search) "truly are partners" whose primary mission is community care. The success of the pilot sites has created playbooks for future expansion, potentially offering a scalable solution to the growing pharmacy desert crisis affecting underserved communities nationwide.