PATCH Aims to Help Young Hoosier Women
Hoosiers have access to birth control at participating pharmacies across Indiana, providing an additional, convenient option for women aged 18 years and older seeking contraceptive care. Pharmacist-prescribed contraception is available through participating pharmacies statewide and can be especially helpful for women who do not have private insurance, live in rural communities, face language barriers, or do not have an established healthcare provider.
The Pharmacy Access to Contraceptives for Hoosiers (PATCH) project is a statewide initiative focused on increasing awareness of this option and supporting pharmacies in offering contraceptive services through trained pharmacists. While pharmacist-prescribed contraception is legal and available in Indiana, many residents remain unaware it is an option.
“For a lot of people, the pharmacy is the most accessible place they go for healthcare,” said Kate Riddell, pharmacist. “Being able to offer birth control there means patients can get clear information and care in a familiar place, without extra steps or long waits.”
PATCH works with pharmacies across Indiana to provide training and implementation support that help pharmacists integrate contraceptive prescribing into everyday practice. Participating pharmacists can prescribe a range of hormonal birth control methods, including pills, patches, and injections.
The project also includes research to better understand how pharmacist-prescribed contraception is being used and how it can improve access to care across the state.
“As with many healthcare services, awareness plays a critical role in access,” said Riddell. “When people understand what options are available to them and how those options work, it’s easier for them to make informed decisions about their care.”
As part of its outreach efforts, PATCH has launched an educational video designed to explain how pharmacist-prescribed contraception works and what patients can expect. The video is intended as a public-facing resource and is available at www.indianapatch.org/service-delivery-resources.
PATCH’s outreach efforts focus on reaching communities where access to traditional healthcare services may be limited, including rural areas and communities that benefit from information shared in multiple languages and trusted formats. Free resources — including a pharmacy finder and step-by-step guidance — are available on the PATCH website to help Hoosiers learn more and find participating pharmacies.
To learn more about pharmacist-prescribed contraception and the PATCH project, visit www.indianapatch.org.