Kroger Pharmacies Honored

Here's more evidence that grocery store pharmacies are continuing to move beyond "count, pour, lick and stick" and focus more on interacting with patients for overall wellness.

The American Pharmacists Association has honored The Kroger Co.'s family of pharmacies with its 2014 Pinnacle Award in recognition of the retailer's significant contributions to patient care and outcomes.

"We are honored to receive this recognition," said Philecia Avery, Kroger's VP of pharmacy.  "The Pinnacle Award is a testament to our pharmacy teams' amazing work and dedication to patient care."

Kroger, which was named this year's Group Practice–Health System–Corporation Award winner, operates more than 2100 pharmacies in 34 states and Washington, D.C.

Personalized Health Experience

Kroger strives to provide a holistic, personalized, quality health experience in addition to filling prescriptions.  Everyday pharmacy services include vaccinations, medication therapy management, and a variety of health screenings.  Many locations offer more intensive education and management programs such as diabetes and heart-healthy coaching, diabetes self-management education, fitness, nutrition and weight management, and smoking cessation.  Kroger is also utilizing innovative methods to improve medication adherence, reduce hospital readmissions and lower total health care costs.

"Collaboration has been a key to our success.  Partnering with organizations like the APhA Foundation, health systems and universities has enabled us to develop and test unique interventions," said Jim Kirby, Kroger's clinical coordinator.  "These programs are using a team-based approach to provide patient-centered care and improve health outcomes."

The Pinnacle Awards were established in 1988 by the APhA Foundation to celebrate significant contributions to the medication use process through increasing patient adherence, reducing drug misadventures, promoting the use of national treatment guidelines, improving patient outcomes or enhancing communication among the members of the health care team. 

Kroger and other award recipients will be honored in September during a ceremony at APhA headquarters in Washington, D.C. 

Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,640 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's.