Previously, the community lacked access to pharmacy services on weekends and holidays. This created additional barriers to care, requiring patients to travel in excess of 60 to 100 miles round trip to the next closest pharmacy. Now, Straits Area Pharmacy continues to prosper and provides a lifeline for rural communities in the region, filling over 56,000 prescriptions annually.

The 340B program has allowed the health system to promote discounted medications, enhanced vaccination offerings and specialty care services. Created by Congress more than 30 years ago, the 340B program helps hospitals and community health centers stretch their limited resources further without using any state taxpayer dollars.

Straits Area Pharmacy is located on the first floor of Mackinac Straits Hospital in St. Ignace and is open seven days a week.

“The 340B program directly benefits patients by allowing us to stretch scarce federal resources to offer critical services including additional pharmacy access and personalized prescription delivery to those who have limited means of transportation on Mackinac Island and beyond,” said Karen Cheeseman, president and chief executive officer, Mackinac Straits Health System.

Those interested in learning more about the program can visit the 340B webpage. To read more positive hospital stories, check out more Hospitals Help webpage and the 2025 Community Impact Report.