With approximately 767, 000 total annual outpatient visits, Direct Relief partner Denver Health and Hospitality Authority treats nearly 25 percent of people living in Denver, including one-third of its children, every year.
Of the total patients served by the health system, approximately 340,000 patients are uninsured, many of whom are low-income.
Denver Health has been in operation for 150 years, helping people from all walks of life and from all parts of the state.
“Everyone that works here takes the mission very much to heart,” said Alex Mathews, the clinical pharmacist specialist at Denver Health. “Every decision we make is intended to help the patient.”
Denver Health has a vast campus, spreading over several blocks, that can help in almost any area of healthcare, including: a level one trauma center (one of only two located in Denver); school based centers and education programs; and family focused sites, including pediatric, dental, OB/GYN, and adult clinics.
Consultant Pharmacist Keith Slover, who has been with Denver Health for 16 years, stated that Denver Health acts as a safety net for many. In the pharmacy alone, more than one million prescriptions are filled every year.
Slover said the mission is extremely important. He repeated, “Level one care for all.”
According to Slover, Denver Health’s local school programs are very influential to the children and young adults in the area.
“We find a way to get to them instead of waiting for the kids to come to us,” Slover said. “We teach the kids how to manage and become accountable for their health if their parents aren’t.”
Direct Relief has supported their health system for the past four years, providing medicines and supplies to help low-income and uninsured people living in Denver, young and old, gain access to critically-needed medical aid.
Recently informed that a bulk purchasing program to help them obtain needed medicines at a reduced cost is going to disappear shortly, Denver Health staff said they will be turning to organizations like Direct Relief to help fill the gaps that exist for patients in need.