In-store health fairs: Expanding pharmacy’s reach and reputation
For years, community pharmacy has presented itself as one of the best solutions out there for the ills plaguing the nation’s overstretched and over-costly healthcare system. And few things drive that message home as effectively as the rapid growth of in-store health fairs and disease screening events at drug store, supermarket and mass merchandise pharmacies nationwide.
(Click here for the full special report.)
The remarkable expansion of health events and free diagnostic services at chain and independent pharmacies coincides with the aging of the population, the increasing challenge of chronic disease in the United States, and the squeeze in healthcare access as a shrinking pool of primary care physicians grapple with ever-growing case loads. “As the prevalence of various health conditions continues to rise, so does the importance of screening to ensure people get the information and treatment they need,” noted Jill Turner-Mitchael, SVP of consumables and health-and-wellness for Sam’s Club. “However, we know people today are extremely busy, and taking time for their personal health can sometimes be a challenge. By offering free health screenings, we are giving people easier access to critical information that can set them on the path to better managing their health.”
“It’s eye opening to hear stories about the immediate impact these screenings have on people, and how empowering it is for them to learn more about staying healthy,” Turner-Mitchell added.
Many industry leaders, including Alex Hurd, senior director product development, growth and payer innovation for Walmart health and wellness, have become strong advocates for in-store health fairs and free screening events. “They’re not just important for Walmart; I think they’re critical to the health of our country,” Hurd said. “They represent one of the most exciting trends in health care in the last decade, and one of the simplest mechanisms out there for spreading massive health awareness. I am absolutely convinced that these types of community-based health programs will play a key role in creating a more sustainable health system for our country.”
In the special report, DSN looks at how several of the nation’s top pharmacy operators go the extra mile with diagnostic services and health fairs for their customers — how they conduct the events, what they’re trying to achieve and the impact those events have on both patients and the business and practice of pharmacy.
“The health and wellness of our customers and our communities — that’s why we do what we do. And we continue to be active in our communities and explore other opportunities that we may have left on the table, and other opportunities we can do inside our four walls to help patients as well,” added Jocelyn Konrad, EVP of pharmacy for Rite Aid. “Sometimes I don’t think we in pharmacy step back and actually realize the impact that pharmacies have in a community.”