This week, McKesson Corporation, alongside Health Mart and Health Mart Atlas, welcomed nearly 2,700 attendees, including independent pharmacy owners and their teams, to the 2024 McKesson ideaShare conference in New Orleans. Over three dynamic days, participants immersed themselves in a wealth of sessions, over 30 continuing education courses, networking opportunities, and engaged with 150 exhibitors representing various sectors of the industry.
Throughout the event, McKesson executives and industry partners underscored the pivotal role of independent pharmacies in their communities. Beyond dispensing medications, these pharmacies are instrumental in delivering personalized patient care and fostering trusted relationships that enhance health outcomes. It’s crucial to support and fortify this profession to ensure pharmacists can continue delivering essential services to their patients.
Crystal Lennartz, PharmD, MBA, President of Health Mart and Health Mart Atlas, emphasized McKesson’s longstanding commitment as a key advocate and partner for community pharmacies, aiming to enhance their business efficiency and economic health. This year’s event aimed to inspire independents with innovative solutions, ignite advocacy efforts, and empower them to tackle today’s challenges in pharmacy management and patient care.
A highlight of the conference was the launch of McKesson Amplify, a new initiative designed to bolster the collective voice of pharmacy. This program, funded by McKesson, streamlines funding for state pharmacy associations to support advocacy efforts that benefit independent pharmacists and their communities. McKesson Amplify aims to protect vital pharmacy services and elevate the profession by amplifying industry voices in policy discussions.
Several esteemed guests, including leaders from the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), American Pharmacists Association (APhA), and National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA), joined the event to discuss policy matters, community engagement, and advocacy strategies.
In a special ceremony, Dreier Pharmacy of Shawano, Wisconsin, received the prestigious title of 2024 Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year. This award recognized Dreier Pharmacy for its outstanding clinical and business practices, commitment to community health, and advocacy for independent pharmacies. The pharmacy, a family-owned establishment since the late 1800s, continues to innovate and serve its community across generations, exemplifying excellence in pharmacy practice.
Looking ahead, the success of this year’s event sets the stage for McKesson ideaShare 2025, scheduled for July 10-13 in Nashville.
