2025 Free Clinic Community Partner of the Year

The Charitable Healthcare Network (CHN) is honored to recognize Zion Solutions Group (Zion) as the 2025 Community Partner of the Year for their leadership, generosity, and innovation in advancing Ohio’s first statewide prescription drug repository. Zion has been an invaluable partner in helping CHN strengthen the Medication Access Program (MAP) at St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy (SVDP). 

“Zion was challenged to design and automate Ohio’s first statewide prescription drug repository and distribution center. The Zion team designed the facility and procured the technology (Sure Sort®) through strategic business partner, OPEX Corporation, for a fraction of the budget typically required for a project of this nature … Zion has made attainable what others said was impossible,” shared Rusty Curington, Vice President of Pharmacy at SVDP, in his nomination. “The CHN-MAP could not be set up for success without their donation of labor, commitment to affordable innovation, and consistent dedication to quality.”

Zion is a full-service supply chain systems integrator whose core business is to design, procure, and implement automated solutions that optimize distribution centers. The team is dedicated to delivering memorable experiences and guiding intelligent change. They leverage cutting-edge technology and decades of expertise to provide innovative solutions that optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and drive sustainable growth for their customers.

Guided by a core purpose to leave a positive impact on the lives of those they touch, Zion applies this same energy not only to client projects but also to community initiatives through their Acts of Kindness (AOK) Foundation.

From the beginning, Zion recognized the significance of this partnership. “From our very first conversation with St. Vincent de Paul, when we learned about the Equity Rx program, we knew we wanted to be part of the solution,” reflected Jennifer Thomas, Director of Business Development.

What started as a technical collaboration quickly evolved into a unified mission. “Something special was taking shape,” shared Jen Miller, Director of Project Management. “It felt like a true, collective effort—SVDP, Zion, and OPEX all aligned and determined to make this work.”

Each year, millions of dollars’ worth of life-saving medications are discarded due to limited repository capacity. Zion helped overcome this barrier by securing affordable automation technology and donating a significant amount of labor to keep the project achievable and sustainable. As a result, more donated medications are reaching the people who need them most.

“You don’t have to be a healthcare provider to positively impact access to medication and care,” shared Jim Shaw, President and Co-Founder of Zion. “We believe where there are strong communities, there are individuals, families, and businesses all working together for a better world for everyone.”

Zion exemplifies what true partnership looks like. Their compassion and expertise are transforming systems and improving lives across Ohio.

Please join us in congratulating Zion Solutions Group as the 2025 Community Partner of the Year. Zion and all of this year’s honorees will be celebrated at the Free Clinic Appreciation Awards Reception on April 29, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio.

For more information about the event, please visit: https://www.charitablehealthcarenetwork.org/who-we-are/what-we-do/free-clinic-appreciation-month.html