16th annual NACDS Foundation Dinner raises $1.9M
NEW YORK — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation celebrated its 16th Annual Foundation Dinner Wednesday evening in New York City, raising a record $1.9 million, which will continue to fuel the Foundation’s patient-centered care research agenda.
More than 100 companies from a diverse range of industries sponsored the event, with Walgreens and Duane Reade serving as the premier sponsors.
The entire program emphasized the research portfolio of the NACDS Foundation, including initiatives to encourage patients to take their medications as prescribed and thus improve their health; strategies to prevent hospital readmissions by improving patients’ understanding of their medications; use of medication management in emerging healthcare models, such as accountable care organizations and medical homes; and efforts to improve the detection and treatment of flu and strep.
News correspondent, host and produce, Barbara Walters delivered the keynote address, sharing poignant experiences from her five decades in television news, primetime specials and daytime television. The NACDS Foundation Dinner program also included recognition of outstanding contributions in advancing public health by Kenneth E. Thorpe, Ph.D., chairman, Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University. A Robert T. Woodruff Professor, Thorpe received the 2014 NACDS Foundation Excellence in Patient Care Award in recognition for his distinguished career in public health as an educator, author and healthcare expert.
“We are pleased to recognize Dr. Thorpe’s esteemed career in advancing public health as the recipient of the NACDS Foundation Excellence in Patient Care Award,” said NACDS Foundation president Kathleen Jaeger. “His commitment to patient care is remarkable as evidenced by his honorary congressional and presidential distinctions. We thank him for his continued service in educating future advocates in public health.”
Capping off the annual dinner, Jaeger said, “The NACDS Foundation is grateful for the generosity and commitment of its benefactors. Without your support we could not continue our mission of engaging in research and education that benefits patients, improves outcomes and advances public health. Thank you for your continued commitment to the NACDS Foundation.”