Atlanta, GA – 6/23/2025 – The June 2025 Journal, Health Security, highlights the vital role of independent pharmacies in public health preparedness, emphasizing collaborations during COVID-19 and proposing structured public-private partnerships for future emergencies. The paper, Independent Community Pharmacies and Public Health Preparedness: A Novel Engagement Structure and Recommendations for Ongoing Partnerships, isauthored by leadership at Parasol Health Consulting and the NCPA Innovation Center. It offers a streamlined framework for government engagement with the nation’s 18,900 independent pharmacies through the model created called the Independent Community Pharmacy Consortium for Government Engagement (The Consortium).
“Independent pharmacies have proven their ability to serve as a lifeline for communities during crises,” said Diana Yassanye, lead author of the case report. “By establishing a structured framework for engagement, we can ensure that these partnerships demonstrate their capabilities when it matters most.”
The paper offers recommendations for building resilient public-private partnerships, including:
1. Tailored Partnership Agreements: Developing flexible agreements that account for the unique capabilities and needs of independent pharmacies.
2. Data Sharing Frameworks: Establishing secure, efficient mechanisms for data sharing to enhance coordination and response efforts.
3. Sustained Engagement: Fostering ongoing collaboration between public health entities and independent pharmacies to maintain readiness and build trust.
4. Equity-Focused Approaches: Prioritizing underserved communities by leveraging the localized presence of independent pharmacies.
“The Consortium represents a tangible step toward integrating independent pharmacies into the fabric of public health preparedness,” said Becky Snead, co-author and Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives and Long Term Care for NCPA. “By working together, we can create a more resilient and equitable response system that leaves no community behind.”
Read the abstract and get access to the full paper here: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/epub/10.1089/hs.2024.0123