News & Events

      Cardinal Health is getting more media savvy. In mid-2009, it launched an in-store digital marketing program that is making sleek, high-tech advertising and health information available to even the smallest, independently owned retail pharmacies.

      The program, Pharmacy Health Network, enables pharmaceutical, over-the-counter, consumer health and other product manufacturers to run video advertisements and health education content on 32-inch, flat-panel LCD screens placed in retail pharmacies within reach of consumers.

      “This is a brand-new offering that will get us into a [direct-to-consumer, audio-visual] space we were not in before,” said Jeff Foreman, vice president of strategic purchasing for Cardinal Health. “It’s a powerful, consumer-reaching [tool] that can be customized right down to the zip code.”

      It’s likely the revenue will be tiny for Cardinal compared to its other services. Bigger factors for Cardinal include the renewal of a multibillion-dollar drug distribution contract with companies like American Associated Pharmacies, which happened late last year.

      But the television network is indicative of the company’s efforts to get every dollar’s worth of value from its services since spinning off its medical technology business CareFusion. In recent months, Cardinal also created a new service to target mail-order pharmacies as well as supply chain management software.

      Last week, Cardinal announced better-than-expected quarterly earnings. Chief Executive George Barrett said then the post-CareFusion transition was a “marathon, not a sprint,” but added: “Our overall operating performance was better than originally expected, with a number of our key initiatives already taking hold.” Ohio-based Cardinal is providing and installing the LCD screens in pharmacies throughout the United States at no cost to the stores. Free maintenance for the LCD screens is also part of the arrangement.

      Dallas-based Respario Digital Advertising Group is managing the technology and content for Pharmacy Health Network.

      Aside from advertisements and consumer health information on topics such as living well and diabetes management, the network is featuring health and wellness segments produced by the NBC Digital Health Network, part of the NBC Universal Digital Media group. The network provides regular weather information from AccuWeather.com and a ticker runs sports and other general news.

      Pharmacies participating in the program are able to post their own content promoting in-store sales, health screenings and community events and programs. To further target consumers, Pharmacy Health Network is placing customized racks of brochures, health information, coupons and samples in pharmacy waiting areas to build off of the video content and advertising.

      Pharmacy Health Network is being offered to the more than 5,000 independent and franchised pharmacies Cardinal Health serves in the United States. So far, 700 retail pharmacies have signed on to have the screens installed, including 69 Discount Drug Mart stores. Approximately 400 screens have been installed to date, according to the company.

      The network is capitalizing on the opportunity to reach consumers at the point they are making their pharmaceutical purchases.

      “It’s a much more captivating, powerful tool” than the traditional circulars, fliers and TV ads, Foreman said. He touts Pharmacy Health Network as a win-win for manufacturers and retail stores, noting its potential to educate and engage consumers and position manufacturers’ products.

      He declined to disclose how much Cardinal Health is investing in the program or project potential advertising revenue.

      However, John H. Balch, owner and president of The PharmaCare Network, a Maryland-based health care company with four retail pharmacies, believes the network’s direct manufacturer- to-consumer marketing will help sell more products.      “It’s a great way for pharmaceutical manufacturers to get their message to consumers directly,” Balch said.

      PharmaCare installed the Pharmacy Health Network last November at its newest location, a retail pharmacy housed within the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center. The company is considering adding the network to its other locations.

      “It’s a great communication piece at a very low cost,” Balch said. “The [network] gave my new pharmacy the appearance that we were high-tech. The modern appeal and sound graphics are outstanding.”

      In addition to the featured advertising, PharmaCare is using the Pharmacy Health Network to promote health screenings, flu vaccines, wellness programs and other activities scheduled at the pharmacy and throughout the community.

      Area residents in need of postal services may find a convenient solution close at hand as PharmaCare West on Greene Street becomes a contract postal unit.
      A CPU?provides all the services of a traditional post office aside from money orders and post office box rentals.
      “Everything else from a change of address card to registered mail can be done through us,” said PharmaCare public relations representative Jennifer Hare. “You can do all your shipping, domestic or international, here. You can buy your stamps here and we have daily pickup a couple times a day,” she said.
      The search for a new CPU began after the closing of Aber’s Hallmark was announced last year. Six businesses from around Cumberland submitted applications to become CPUs.
      “We were familiar with how the workings went with the postal service because at our Bedford Road location, we had been offering post office services for many years,” said Hare.
      Hare said there are many benefits for businesses that become CPUs. “It can drive additional traffic to your store,” said Hare. “There’s also a small revenue stream, but that was never one of the main reasons for doing this for us.?We’re doing it to provide a service.
      “The cost to us is very minimal. The post office provides the signage, they come in and they take care of equipment and so forth.” Hare said that the cost to PharmaCare is less than $200.
      “We’re going to have a soft opening in March for them,” said Postal Service spokeswoman Freda Sauter. “Then we’re going to have a grand opening in?April.”
      Sauter said some of the criteria necessary for determining a CPU includes handicapped accessibility, location, current business involvement, public transportation, hours of operation and parking. She said the Postal Service has used CPUs as a way to provide additional access to its products and services for more than 100 years.
      “The best thing is to know that our customers are happy knowing they have someplace to go to get their stamps and do their mailing,” said Hare. “And for many people, hey, it's convenient.”

       This is the third year for the Mountain Ridge High School and PharmaCare of Frostburg partnership providing learning experiences plus a healthy lunch for the students.

       This program began in 2007 when the students entered their freshman year. Lisa Bohrer, R.N.,BC, Director of Wellness for PharmaCare, developed the first program “Healthy at Any Size” to emphasize media’s role in shaping teenagers’ self images and buying habits. “Stress and Teenage Years” last year’s topic, provided the students with stress coping procedures. This year the students are learning how to “Survive the Teenage Years” with role playing and team building exercises.

These students, now juniors, have been a part of the GEAR UP program since middle school. The GEAR UP Program, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, believes that young people who start planning in middle school have a better chance of entering college and completing their degrees. Ms. Andrenette Mack-Augins, GEAR UP Program Specialist with the Maryland State Department of Education, recently visited Mountain Ridge High School and observed a class. Robert Hunter, school guidance counselor, is in charge of the program at Mountain Ridge. “It has been a pleasure partnering with PharmaCare and, particularly, having Lisa work with the students”, says Mr. Hunter. “She has a down to earth approach to teaching the kids and they love her. We are happy to have her again this year and look forward to next year’s program.”

Andrenette Mack-Augins, left, GEAR UP program specialist with the Maryland State Department of Education, recently observed a class taught by Lisa Bohrer, director of wellness for PharmaCare.

       January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical cancer affects approximately 10,000 women in the U.S. each year. Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer for women worldwide, but it is also one of the most preventable. Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• Bleeding between menstrual periods
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after a pelvic exam
• Pelvic pain not associated with your menstrual cycle
• Increased urinary frequency
• Pain during urination.

There are two tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. The Pap test looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated. The HPV test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes. The Pap test is recommended for all women. Getting a Pap test regularly can find precancerous changes that can be treated so that cervical cancer is prevented.        The HPV vaccine (Gardisil) protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. It is given in a series of three shots and is recommended for 11 and 12 year old girls and those 13 to 26 who did not get any or all of the shots when they were younger. Limiting your number of sexual partners, using condoms during sex and not smoking will also reduce your risk of cervical cancer.        For more information, contact the National Cervical Cancer Coalition at www.nccc-online.org. This article was submitted by Lisa Bohrer, R.N.,BC, the director of Wellness, for the PharmaCare Network. She is available to speak on various health and wellness topics. For more information, contact her at 301-689-2909 or lbohrer@3ipc.com.

Lisa Bohrer (left), R.N.,BC, director of wellness for PharmaCare, discussess cervical cancer screening with Leticia Shelton.

      Starting November 10th, PharmaCare will be hosting free classes that help you learn the ins and outs of diabetes from Certified Diabetes Educators. To learn when and where click the link below.

      Diabetes Academy

      PharmaCare Floral & Gift Shoppe's Annual Holiday Open House with be held Saturday, November 14th, from 9am to 5pm. The open house will take place at the main flower shoppe at 198 N. Centre Street and at PharmaCare’s Bedford Road retail pharmacy location at 11306 Bedford Road NE.
      To see current holiday specials at PharmaCare Floral, click here. And if you need assistance finding our locations, click the “Store Locator” above.

      Over 120 people turned out for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk and bike ride bringing in over $20,000. You can read more by clicking the link below.

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      Studies show that most Americans want to lead healthier lives and are eager to improve their lifestyles. Many continuously attempt to change unhealthy behaviors only to fall short. Part of the problem is lack of time to devote to personal health and wellness. Another factor is the ability to find healthcare professionals to partner with so the journey is not taken alone. In our fast paced environment, we neglect ourselves so we may tend to other duties such as work, family & child care, and other important responsibilities.
      PharmaCare of Frostburg has an answer to this dilemma. The pharmacy professionals believe your health is always their concern, not just when you are ill or need a prescription. A full- service retail pharmacy located in the Frostburg Village Shopping Center, PharmaCare of Frostburg offers programs unique to most pharmacies. A full-time registered nurse is part of the professional team, and she offers an assortment of wellness services.
      Individuals who are concerned about their blood pressure can have their blood pressure checked in a quiet environment while talking one-on-one to a nurse. A record is kept so it can be printed for the patient, or his/her physician. Health information, education, referrals and other services are available. Vaccinations for Shingles, Influenza and Pneumonia (among others) are also available.
      Lisa Bohrer, R.N., BC, Director of Wellness at PharmaCare is a licensed registered nurse certified in gerontology, wellness, and fitness. She has extensive experience in the care of the elderly along with the initiation of wellness programs throughout the Frostburg area. She is available to speak to the Frostburg area on a variety of health and wellness topics along with individual consults.
      PharmaCare of Frostburg, part of The PharmaCare Network, is open Monday through Friday from 9 am until 6 pm and Saturday from 9 am until 1 pm. For more information, contact Lisa at 301-689-2909 or email her at lbohrer@3ipc.com.

      Patrick D. Kelly, watercolorist and digital artist, is currently featuring his paintings at PharmaCare of Frostburg’s retail pharmacy location. You can read more by clicking the link below.

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      PharmaCare gets dressed up as they donate $5,000 to the city of Frostburg. You can see the photo by clicking the link below

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      PharmaCare of Cumberland, a durable home medical equipment company, has achieved the Award of Accreditation from the Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation, based in Waterloo, Iowa. This award is achieved only when home medical equipment companies demonstrate a high level of quality practices in their business operations and patient care techniques. PharmaCare of Cumberland earned the three-year accreditation after completing a comprehensive application that focuses on patient care, financial stability, and a commitment to quality operational practices and procedures. Accreditation by the Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation assures Medicare and other payers that the highest levels of quality are practiced within all areas of the company.
      “We sought accreditation by the Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation to demonstrate that our company is committed to providing excellent patient care and safety in a financially solvent environment,” says Kathy Weber, Supervisor of PharmaCare’s Home Medical Department. “This award also reinforces that our commitment to quality is ongoing.”
      Founded in 2005, the Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation seeks to continuously set standards of the highest quality on behalf of the durable medical equipment industry and business owners. Its interactive, Web-based design is specifically aimed at the durable medical equipment industry, providing a targeted approach to accreditation and quality improvement.
      Established in 1977, PharmaCare has grown from the traditional retail pharmacy, to the area’s leading supplier of pharmaceutical products and services. The PharmaCare Network has grown by serving the needs of the local health care community. In addition to the Home Medical Department, The PharmaCare Network of services includes the Institutional and Assisted Living Pharmacy Services Divisions, OptionCare of Cumberland (which supplies IV medications and nutritional products to homebound and nursing home patients), plus three retail pharmacy locations. The PharmaCare Network is still a locally owned and operated, independent pharmacy.