1. What is MOMs Pharmacy?
MOMs is a HIV focused specialty pharmacy. While they also provide medications and services to non-HIV clients, their expertise and services concentrate primarily in meeting the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. In addition, MOMs is not a retail pharmacy; individuals, for example, will not be able to purchase sunscreen, laundry soap, etc. while picking up their prescriptions. A small selection of over-the-counter products, frequently used by people living with HIV/AIDS, will be in stock and any other special over-the-counter items a client may need can be ordered.

2. What services do they provide?
As an HIV/AIDS specialty pharmacy, MOMs will provide clients with medication packaging options that greatly enhance patient adherence. These include pre-filled medicine trays and the MOMsPak (individual medication dose sealed packets with adherence assistance time-stamping information on each packet). Additional specialized services include; insurance expertise and advocacy, on-site counseling with the pharmacist, educational and wellness sessions for clients, refill reminder programs and delivery service options.

3. Is Lifelong entering a partnership with MOMs Pharmacy?
No. Lifelong is simply leasing space to the pharmacy. MOMs Pharmacy and Lifelong AIDS Alliance are completely separate business entities.

4. Will the clients have an option to keep using their current pharmacy?
Yes. Lifelong clients will have the option to keep the relationship with their current pharmacist or switch their prescriptions to MOMs. We understand the relationship between a client and pharmacist is extremely important and built on trust; we do not wish to obstruct that in any way.

5. Where will MOMs Pharmacy be located?
MOMs is renting space from Lifelong and will occupy the space below Lifelong’s Thrift Store. Access will be from the lower parking lot area.

6. Is it true Chicken Soup Brigade (CSB) will offer medications delivered to clients as an option with their food delivery?
In the future, CSB hopes to have trained individuals assist with medication deliveries as an option for clients who are homebound. Until then, MOMs Pharmacy has a mail service option, like several pharmacies in the area.

7. Will Lifelong AIDS Alliance receive any additional funding from MOMs Pharmacy?
Like any other regional corporation, we will approach MOMs Pharmacy for sponsorships and other funding opportunities, just as we have in the past with local hospitals, pharmacies or pharmaceutical companies. As with other funders, MOMs sponsorship will not alter our services to clients. MOMs is not obligated to support any program or event that we propose to them.

8. Are there any other agencies similar to Lifelong that have a pharmacy as a part of their services?
Yes. There are several ASOs and GLBTQ agencies with a pharmacy component. An evaluation paper completed by the San Francisco Department of Public Health showed the benefits of having a pharmacy on-site at The Tenderloin AIDS Resource Center in San Francisco. Some ASOs, such as Northern Nevada HOPES not only provides a pharmacy on-site, but they also provide on-site testing, dentistry and a wellness clinic, as well as numerous social services. To name a few other ASOs across the country that offer pharmacy services to their clients include The AIDS HealthCare Foundation, The Cares Clinic, East Bay AIDS Center, and The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center.

9. Has there been media attention?
While the staff, clients, and other key stakeholders have been informed of the pharmacy’s agreement to lease space, MOMs will publicize their pharmacy opening.

10. Is there another MOMs Pharmacy locally? Where are they located nationally?
Yes. Cherry Street Pharmacy here in Seattle is a MOMs Pharmacy and has been servicing Seattle’s HIV/AIDS community since 2003. They have 10 other community based pharmacies, located throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Southern California, New York and Florida.