Nashville, TN. - Dispensary of Hope announced that it has named Christopher Palombo as Chief Executive Officer.

"We are excited to have Mr. Palombo join the Dispensary of Hope team," said Scott Cornwell, Chief Operating Officer of the Dispensary of Hope.  "His vast healthcare experience and passion to meet the needs of the underserved is the right combination to build upon the success of the Dispensary."

The Dispensary of Hope seeks to provide sustainable access to medication for underinsured commuinities.  Having distributed over $20 million worth of pharmaceuticals to those in need and creating a national and inter-regional network of dispensing sites, the Dispensary of Hope plans to keep expanding and making a differenece in communities in need. The Dispensary of Hope accomplishes its national vision by:

• Sourcing surplus medication from manufacturers, distributors, and physician offices, and distributing those medications to safety net coalitions, clinics, and pharmacies;
• Providing affordable access to diabetic supplies; and
• Assisting patients of clinics and hospitals by providing care management and navigation services, in order to secure long-term access to branded medications.

Palombo has extensive experience in the improvement of the healthcare industry, having worked with over 75 healthcare organizations and community health coalitions across the United States.  He has effectively led national advocacy and education efforts, managed a peer-learning infrastructure, and successfully directed a multi-year redesign of the safety net healthcare infrastructure in 15 Northern Michigan counties.

Palombo has been praised as a key team member by Ascension Health.  He was recognized as the 2009 Emerging Leader in Health Transformation by Communities Joined in Action.  Palombo received his Master of Science in Healthcare Management degree in 2007 from Lindenwood University.

About the Dispensary of Hope

The Dispensary of Hope is a subsidiary of St. Thomas Health, a member of St. Louis-based Ascension Health.  Founded in 2003, the Dispensary of Hope is a not-for-profit social venture that provides sustainable access to medicine for underinsured communities through a growing network of dispensing sites across the country.  The Dispensary of Hope has collected and distributed $20 million worth of pharmaceuticals for patients who otherwise couldn't afford them.

For more information, visit www.dispensaryofhope.org

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