Invites Florida Legislators to Visit Independent Pharmacies throughout the State to Showcase the Role Pharmacists Play in Improving Patient Outcomes
LAKELAND, Fla., October 23, 2017— Florida Independent Pharmacy Day celebrates the contributions of independent pharmacists in reducing healthcare costs and improving patient care. Health Mart and American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc. (APCI) have invited Florida legislators to visit pharmacies across Florida on Friday, Oct. 27 to highlight independent pharmacy’s unique contributions and impact on healthcare in communities around the state.
“American Pharmacists Month draws attention to the fact that pharmacists are consistently voted one of the most trusted healthcare professionals, as well as the most accessible healthcare provider in communities across the nation,” said Chris Dimos, senior vice president of marketing and business strategy, McKesson U.S. Pharmaceutical. “With a variety of public policy issues and legislation impacting the independent pharmacy – and by extension, patients across the state of Florida – we felt it was important to kickstart a dialogue with Florida legislators about the critical role independent pharmacists play every day.”
State Rep. Jay Trumbull, representing Florida’s 6th District, is just one of the legislators supporting his local independent pharmacy, Coopers Drugs in Panama City. Trumbull’s office toured Coopers Drugs and visited with staff to begin an ongoing conversation regarding potential legislation in the state. The visit will launch efforts in October, with more than 20 independent pharmacists participating statewide on Oct. 27, with additional support from APCI.
“APCI supports Main Street America and interaction with elected officials, because lack of involvement in healthcare policymaking empowers others to determine your future,” said Bill Eley, director of legislative affairs, APCI.
Health Mart and APCI support Florida independent pharmacists, like Dr. Aneesh Lakhani, in engaging legislation and showcase the role pharmacists play in improving patient outcomes.
“October is a time for us to celebrate pharmacy in general and it also gives us an opportunity to display all the different things we do,” said Dr. Aneesh Lakhani, owner and head pharmacist at Garden Drug in Oakland Park. “So many people rely on their independent pharmacist as their go-to person for healthcare. We want to showcase the services of local pharmacists for legislators so they can seefirsthand how we are out there, every day, fighting to improve the healthcare outcomes of our patients.”
For more information about Florida Independent Pharmacy Day, visit flindependentpharmacyday.com.
About Health Mart
Health Mart is America’s fastest-growing independent pharmacy franchise with more than 4,800 locally-owned community pharmacies across all 50 states. Health Mart pharmacists provide personalized care and take the time to help patients understand their prescription-drug coverage, how to safely manage multiple medications, and how to take advantage of lower-cost medication options. As an important member of the healthcare team, Health Mart pharmacists possess strong clinical knowledge and partner with their patients, and their patients’ other healthcare providers, to help them manage and improve patients’ health. The Health Mart franchise is owned by Health Mart Systems, Inc., which is an affiliate of McKesson Corporation. Pharmacists interested in learning more about joining Health Mart can explore join.healthmart.com. Consumers can find a locally-owned Health Mart pharmacy by visiting healthmart.com.
About APCI
American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc. (APCI) is a member-owned, group purchasing organization, established in 1984, to protect and promote the interest of Independent Pharmacies. APCI enables member pharmacies to improve their positions in a competitive marketplace with an extensive
offering of exceptional services and comprehensive programs. An elected board of directors, who are themselves pharmacy owners and active members of APCI, use their experience, industry knowledge and vital member input to chart the course of APCI’s continued future growth.
About McKesson Corporation
McKesson Corporation, currently ranked 5th on the FORTUNE 500, is a global leader in healthcare supply chain management solutions, retail pharmacy, community oncology and specialty care, and healthcare information technology. McKesson partners with pharmaceutical manufacturers, providers, pharmacies, governments and other organizations in healthcare to help provide the right medicines, medical products and healthcare services to the right patients at the right time, safely and cost-effectively. United by our ICARE shared principles, our employees work every day to innovate and deliver opportunities that make our customers and partners more successful — all for the better health of patients. McKesson has been named the “Most Admired Company” in the healthcare wholesaler category by FORTUNE, a “Best Place to Work” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and a top military-friendly company by Military Friendly. For more information, visit McKesson.com.