A grant-funded program allowed CPESN pharmacies in three Kentucky counties to help patients access medications, and basic tools and supplies they need to live safely, independently, and with dignity. Dakota Barr, CPESN Kentucky Managing Network Facilitator, shares patient impact stories and benefits of the program to pharmacies as well.

In collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb, the National Community Pharmacy Association and CPESN Community Health are training 25 pharmacy teams to address the needs of cardiovascular patients living in rural communities. The pharmacies are located across AL, AR, KY, LA, MS, and MO. Hannah Fish, NCPA Director, Strategic Initiatives, shares details of the pilot program.

A grant-funded program to increase pneumococcal vaccinations among underserved black and Spanish-speaking adults included a value-based payment model. Dakota Barr, CPESN Kentucky Managing Network Facilitator, shares details and says the model is one that other networks might replicate.

Lynh Warnken, pharmacist and co-owner of Lamar Plaza Drug Store and Dripping Springs Pharmacy in Austin, TX, describes how a relationship with a local non-profit created an opportunity to hold profitable onsite vaccine clinics for visually-impaired and blind employees. The CPESN® Texas pharmacist is already thinking about other ways the pharmacies might support community members in their efforts to live more independently.

Thao Doan, pharmacist/owner of Tu Quynh Pharmacy and a CPESN® New York City luminary, says her Vietnamese and Chinese patients benefit by using their Medicare OTC cards to purchase healthy food items and traditional health aids. As Medicare Advantage programs increase benefit amounts, patients can use the dollars to buy certain foods. Doan says focusing on what patients need and use helps them make the most of the benefits and adds revenue for her pharmacy.

Mariela Silva, a clinical pharmacist at Lino's Pharmacy, encourages other community pharmacies to consider having at least one staff member who can communicate in basic Spanish. The CPESN® Texas pharmacy is located near the Mexico border and serves a large Hispanic population. With Spanish as the second most common language in the U.S., Silva says there is opportunity for most pharmacies to engage their Hispanic patients which can help expand services.

Vito Colombo, a first-generation Italian, is co-owner along with his pharmacist wife Elaine of Colombo's Pharmacy in Queens where they are members of CPESN New York City. Colombo says he learned from his father the value of greeting customers and making an effort to understand and speak their language. His Middle Village pharmacy is located in a walking neighborhood, rich in its ethnic mix of Italian, German, Irish, Albanian, Polish, and Spanish-speaking people. His tip for other CPESN pharmacists: Using Google Translate to help a customer feel comfortable and understood goes a long way in building trust.

CPESN® Maryland Managing Network Facilitator Dixie Leikach shares insights for understanding the upcoming Jewish High Holidays, and tips for supporting pharmacy patients during fasting, and schedule changes associated with the holidays. She also highlights opportunities when Jewish patients may be more open to conversations about preventative care, and overall health management.

Veronica Riera-Gilley, a board certified geriatric pharmacist, describes how she and the Medicine Shoppe team in Sherman, TX Medicare Part D patients. Watch this short video to learn more about working with a senior population.

Paula Miller, a CPESN Kentucky Managing Network Facilitator, shares her personal passion for providing healthcare services to disabled patients. She is co-owner of Ruwe Pharmacy with three locations in northern Kentucky, and her pharmacy works with local agencies to deliver pharmacy services to patients living in group homes.