Albertsons bridges pharmacy, store to build health focus
In order to establish itself as a destination where shoppers can satisfy a range of health and wellness needs, DSN’s 2018 Pharmacy Innovator of the Year Albertsons Companies’ senior vice president of pharmacy, health and wellness, Mark Panzer, has focused his team’s efforts over the last few years on hiring dietitians, adding health clinics in stores, increasing health classes and tours, and creating key partnerships with health care providers and technology companies.
“We want to be a first choice for patient health. By blending the grocery side with the pharmacy, whether it’s dietitians or nutritionists or clinics, being able to be a bigger part of our communities and the health care ecosystem is where we fit in as a company,” Panzer said
Albertsons’ stores are doing this specifically for people who want the convenience of attending health classes like Eating Healthy with Diabetes or Healthy Aging in their neighborhood supermarket and who can benefit from the added support of a pharmacist or dietitian. By using the aisles of the supermarket to enrich the program material and experiences, participants can actively sample and discover new foods throughout the store while learning about healthier meal and snack options to complement their health and wellness goals. Participants expand their understanding by tasting, touching, and seeing new and healthier foods. The pharmacy team continues service by being available every day to help participants better manage health conditions and medications.
“Offering these programs through the setting of a grocery store and pharmacy is exciting!” said Donna Dolan, wellness services manager for Albertsons Pharmacies. “It just makes sense to teach patients about healthy eating and medication management for conditions like diabetes in the same place they buy their groceries and pick up prescriptions each week. During classes, they can ask questions and learn how to personalize their health plan in a way that works with their unique lifestyle. They’re truly customized for each person to successfully, and sustainably, reach their health and wellness goals.”
“We want to be a first choice for patient health. By blending the grocery side with the pharmacy, whether it’s dietitians or nutritionists or clinics, being able to be a bigger part of our communities and the health care ecosystem is where we fit in as a company,” Panzer said
Albertsons’ stores are doing this specifically for people who want the convenience of attending health classes like Eating Healthy with Diabetes or Healthy Aging in their neighborhood supermarket and who can benefit from the added support of a pharmacist or dietitian. By using the aisles of the supermarket to enrich the program material and experiences, participants can actively sample and discover new foods throughout the store while learning about healthier meal and snack options to complement their health and wellness goals. Participants expand their understanding by tasting, touching, and seeing new and healthier foods. The pharmacy team continues service by being available every day to help participants better manage health conditions and medications.
“Offering these programs through the setting of a grocery store and pharmacy is exciting!” said Donna Dolan, wellness services manager for Albertsons Pharmacies. “It just makes sense to teach patients about healthy eating and medication management for conditions like diabetes in the same place they buy their groceries and pick up prescriptions each week. During classes, they can ask questions and learn how to personalize their health plan in a way that works with their unique lifestyle. They’re truly customized for each person to successfully, and sustainably, reach their health and wellness goals.”