More than 4,000 independent pharmacists gathered in Orlando last week for the Retail Business Conference, an annual event focused on the role of local pharmacies in community health.
Pharmacies expand beyond prescriptions
Independent pharmacies are evolving beyond dispensing medications to offer broader wellness services. Walk-in clinics, nutrition counseling, supplement advice, and diagnostic testing are now common at many locations.
Caitlin Rohrbaugh, PharmD, of Wells Hometown Drug in Bloomfield, Iowa; Kathy Campbell, PharmD, of Medicap Pharmacy Owasso, Wellness Pharmacy Network in Owasso, Oklahoma; and Jessica Beal-Stahl, PharmD, of Hobbs Pharmacy in Merritt Island, Florida, shared how their pharmacies have introduced wellness appointments and expanded services to better serve patients.
Michelle Britt, senior vice president of retail independent pharmacy, stated patients now see their local pharmacies as trusted places for proactive and preventive care. This shift reflects how communities access health services, particularly in rural and underserved areas where pharmacies often serve as primary care points.
For many patients, especially older adults or those with chronic conditions, the convenience of a nearby pharmacy makes preventive care more accessible. These services help address gaps in healthcare while setting new expectations for the role of pharmacies.
Supply chain upgrades aim to prevent shortages
Ensuring product availability remains critical for independent pharmacies. Organizers highlighted recent investments in distribution, including the Consumer Health Logistics Center (CHLC), which opened last year. The facility has improved access to over-the-counter products and diagnostic supplies, particularly during high-demand seasons.
A new flagship distribution center in Indianapolis is scheduled to open in fall 2027. It will incorporate advanced automation to increase capacity across the Midwest. Existing centers are also being modernized, and a new Transportation Management System is being implemented to optimize order tracking and delivery schedules.
Jamie Barker, senior vice president of pharmaceutical and specialty supply chain operations, noted that even one missed delivery can disrupt patient care. The upgrades combine automation, technology, and human oversight to minimize those risks.
Advocacy efforts push for policy changes
Pharmacists at the event emphasized the need for policies that support their expanding role in healthcare. Recent progress in Congress includes legislation to expand access to pharmacist-provided clinical services for seniors, though state-level advocacy remains ongoing.
The Cardinal Health One Voice Initiative supports pharmacists and state associations in advocacy efforts.
Education and collaboration highlight innovation
The Counter Talk Theater hosted live discussions on digital innovation and new revenue opportunities beyond traditional pharmacy services.
Britt noted independent pharmacists are reshaping community-based care through innovation and dedication to patients. The event also included hands-on learning, with attendees sharing best practices for clinical services and health programs.
Local pharmacies continue to play a larger part in healthcare delivery.
