PrimaryOne Health and AndHealth Cut Ribbon on New Retail & Specialty Pharmacy to Enhance Community Medication Access
PrimaryOne Health, in partnership with AndHealth, proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new retail and specialty in Columbus, Ohio. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, which marked a significant milestone in expanding PrimaryOne Health’s pharmacy services, signified a critical step toward improving healthcare access for underserved communities in Ohio. This newly established pharmacy will not only provide prescription medications but also offer specialty drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) products, ensuring that patients from all walks of life can obtain the medications they need, regardless of their insurance status or income.
A Key Partnership for Enhanced Pharmacy Services
The opening of this pharmacy is the result of an innovative collaboration between PrimaryOne Health and AndHealth, a prominent healthcare company based in Columbus. AndHealth has long been dedicated to helping Community Health Centers (CHCs) improve access to specialty care, particularly for individuals in underserved regions. As part of this partnership, PrimaryOne Health will now be able to offer its patients a wide range of affordable medications through a sliding fee scale, which ensures that cost is not a barrier to treatment.
PrimaryOne Health’s expansion into pharmacy services comes at a time when access to essential healthcare resources, particularly medications, is more critical than ever. With the support of AndHealth, PrimaryOne Health is now positioned to provide Ohioans with more affordable and comprehensive healthcare options, bridging the gap for patients who may otherwise struggle to access the medications they need.
“We are extremely proud to unveil this expanded pharmacy service,” said Fikru Nigusse, who assumed the role of CEO at PrimaryOne Health in February 2025. “By opening this pharmacy, we are addressing a key challenge facing Ohio’s communities – the lack of access to affordable medications. This initiative reflects our commitment to reversing the troubling trend of pharmacy closures across the state and ensuring that every Ohioan has access to the essential medications they need, no matter their economic background.”
Addressing Ohio’s Pharmacy Deserts
The significance of this new pharmacy extends beyond its immediate location. According to recent data from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy, Ohio has seen a troubling rise in pharmacy closures over the past several years, with the state losing hundreds of pharmacies during this period. This has led to the creation of “pharmacy deserts” across the state, which are areas where residents have limited access to pharmacy services. Nearly 2 million Ohioans are currently living in such pharmacy deserts, where they are faced with significant barriers in obtaining necessary medications.
These pharmacy deserts disproportionately affect individuals living in socially vulnerable communities, particularly those in low-income areas and rural regions. For these populations, the absence of nearby pharmacies is a major obstacle to accessing medications, leading to potential delays in treatment and poor health outcomes. Community Health Centers, like PrimaryOne Health, play an essential role in combating this issue by offering a trusted source of healthcare services, including pharmacy care, to underserved populations.
This new initiative to expand pharmacy services at PrimaryOne Health aims to alleviate the impact of pharmacy deserts by providing essential services directly to patients in their own communities. By offering a full spectrum of pharmacy services, including prescription medications, specialty drugs, and OTC products, PrimaryOne Health hopes to improve medication access and health outcomes for Ohioans in need.
“We know that when people have reliable access to their medications, they are more likely to follow their treatment plans, leading to better health outcomes,” stated Dr. Olivia Nathan, Director of Pharmacy Services at PrimaryOne Health. “This pharmacy is more than just a place to fill prescriptions – it’s a cornerstone of our commitment to making healthcare accessible for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.”
A Commitment to Accessible, Affordable Healthcare
The new pharmacy services also align with PrimaryOne Health’s long-standing commitment to making healthcare more affordable and accessible to all Ohioans. By utilizing a sliding fee scale, the pharmacy ensures that even individuals without insurance or with limited financial resources can access the medications they need to maintain their health. This model is especially crucial in communities where residents may be uninsured or underinsured, as it allows them to obtain medications at prices that are adjusted to their financial situations.
The new pharmacy will also offer specialty medications that are often required for the treatment of complex conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, neurological disorders, and dermatological issues. These services will be available to all patients, regardless of their insurance coverage, further helping to address the healthcare access challenges faced by many individuals in Franklin County and beyond.
“CHCs are vital in combating healthcare deserts by providing care where it is most needed,” said Matt Scantland, CEO of AndHealth. “We AndHealth are excited to expand our partnership with PrimaryOne Health to offer a wide range of services, including rheumatology, dermatology, neurology, and pharmacy care. We believe this is a critical step toward ensuring that the people of Franklin County have the resources and support they need to lead healthier lives.”
Community Support and Partnerships
The ribbon-cutting ceremony at PrimaryOne Health’s new pharmacy took place at 3433 Agler Road in Columbus on April 29th, 2025, at 1:00 PM. A series of remarks followed the ceremony, highlighting the importance of the pharmacy’s opening to the local community and the broader Ohio healthcare landscape.
Key speakers included Dr. Olivia Nathan, Director of Pharmacy Services at PrimaryOne Health; Dr. Mysheika Roberts, Public Health Commissioner; Franklin County Commissioner Erica C. Crawley; State Representative Dontavious Jarrells; PrimaryOne Health COO Nichole Gomez; PrimaryOne Health Board Member Dustin McKee; and Dr. Myles Spar, National Medical Director at AndHealth. Together, they emphasized the importance AndHealth of collaboration between public health organizations, community leaders, and healthcare providers in addressing Ohio’s healthcare challenges.
“We are proud to be part of a community-focused initiative that is bringing tangible solutions to the challenges faced by our residents,” said Franklin County Commissioner Erica C. Crawley. “This new pharmacy is a critical resource for our community, and we look forward to seeing its positive impact on the health of our neighbors.”
Expanding Access to Care Across Ohio
The opening of PrimaryOne Health’s new pharmacy is just the beginning of a larger effort to address healthcare access challenges in Ohio. The ongoing partnership between PrimaryOne Health and AndHealth signals a broader commitment to expanding healthcare services in underserved regions of the state. As part of this collaboration, both organizations AndHealth are working together to offer specialized services to individuals who may have difficulty accessing care through traditional means.
By integrating specialty services with pharmacy care, PrimaryOne Health is taking a holistic approach to healthcare, ensuring that patients AndHealth receive the full spectrum of care they need in one convenient AndHealth location. This model of integrated care has the potential to transform the way healthcare is delivered in Ohio, providing residents with more access to essential services and better outcomes in the long term.
“We believe that by continuing to expand access to care, including pharmacy services, we can help build healthier communities throughout Ohio,” concluded Fikru Nigusse. “Together with our partners, we are committed to creating a future where all Ohioans have access to the care they deserve.”
As Ohio continues to face healthcare challenges, the opening of PrimaryOne Health’s new pharmacy represents a hopeful step forward in ensuring that all residents, particularly those in underserved communities, have access to the medications and care they need to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
