The Power of Long Term Care: Pandemic Response Stories From Our Members
In these challenging times, the mission of our long-term care pharmacy members brings these health care providers many remarkable stories, experiences, and moments. Stories of determination, sacrifice, endurance, resiliency, kindness, and care. Sharing the stories of our members, MHA hopes to showcase the role played by long-term care pharmacies in providing health care services to highly vulnerable populations, and the value these health care providers bring to the continuum of care.
This valuable role is also explored and documented in the recent MHA study, “The Value of the Long-Term Care Pharmacist in the Delivery and Continuum of Care”. For highlights, click here.
Consonus Pharmacy, Oregon
Upon completing the Phase 1 COVID-19 Vaccination clinics, Consonus Pharmacy is celebrating their achievements. Over the course of 88 days, they have conducted 750 clinics in 256 sites across 250K square miles. And the results are equally impressive: 89% resident vaccination rate, and 76% vaccination rate for staff, crushing national averages. And best of all, a dramatic 53% reduction in cases. The Consonus team credits the high compliance rates to providing the staff with abundant education and communication, delivered by the right messengers. As their Phase 2 Vaccine Continuity Plan is underway, they are thrilled to continue to provide life-saving protection to the most vulnerable populations.
PCA Pharmacy, Pennsylvania
PCA Pharmacy did not hesitate to jump in to help upon hearing the plea from a local long-term care facility in need of vaccinations for their new residents and staff. With a state cut-back on providers and with the federal pharmacy partnership no longer in town, the management of Grandview Estates was left without access to second doses for several residents and initial doses for new residents and staff. With having allocation from the Federal program through MHA, PCA Pharmacy called the facility and offered to vaccinate the remaining residents and staff. Grandview Estates was so very grateful and PCA was thankful to be in the position to help this facility in need.
PharmScript, New Jersey
Through the hard work of immunizers and facility staff, PharmScript proudly announced when they achieved a new milestone in their COVID-19 vaccine administration efforts. The successful administration of more than 150,000 COVID-19 vaccines to residents and staff members in long-term care facilities. PharmScript is thankful to those who have helped in reaching this point and look forward to continuing their COVID-19 vaccine efforts.
Absolute Pharmacy, Ohio
Absolute Pharmacy was proud to announce their successful completion of Phase 1a Clinics: 20,526 shots, 3,432 vials, 276 clinics. To celebrate, they designed a commemorative T-shirt and distributed them to all 75 employees that helped with the clinics. Additionally, they have started the State Vaccine Maintenance Program and continue to support customers by providing vaccine, taking care of all reporting aspects, and training them on proper administration so they can focus on patient care!
HMR Veterans Services, Inc., Alabama
HMR Veterans Services, Inc. (HMRx), dreamed of providing COVID-19 vaccines to their veterans and employees. That dream became reality after partnering with their senior living GPO, Navigator, and Navigator’s parent company, Managed Health Care Associates, Inc., (MHA), network administrator for the Federal Long-Term Care COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment Initiative. Working together, MHA and Navigator assisted HMRx through the process to receive, store and administer the vaccine. This collaboration helped Alabama State Veterans Homes become one of that state’s first long-term care facilities to establish a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program.
Kaiser Permanente, Mid-Atlantic Region
In Kaiser Permanente’s Mid-Atlantic region, the addition of Federal Retail Pharmacy Program vaccines through Managed Health Care Associates, Inc. as network administrator enabled the region to expand vaccinations at the Kaiser Medical Buildings with onsite retail pharmacies, and more rapidly vaccinate their highest risk members. By April 19, 2021, Kaiser Permanente’s Mid-Atlantic region had already vaccinated over 75% of members 65 years and older and over 40% of members with high-risk medical conditions. Additionally, to prepare for in-person learning, Kaiser Permanente vaccinated 6,000 educators and school staff of the Prince George’s County Public Schools system.
Thrifty White, Minnesota
Thrifty White through Managed Health Care Associate as a network administrator, expanded outreach to rural communities across Minnesota and North Dakota to vaccinate residents in these areas. Thrifty White trained 140 of their pharmacy technicians and had administered over 200,000 vaccinations between February and April at their retail pharmacy locations. One mass vaccination event was held at Thrifty White’s headquarters in Plymouth, MN, to vaccinate thousands on site.
Partners Pharmacy Supports New Jersey Field Hospitals
“Our team is incredible at getting to work quickly and heeding the call for help, providing round-the-clock pharmacy services to patients in need with a goal of minimal disruption to care and no delay to medication delivery,” said Anthony Spero, Chief Operating Officer at Partners Pharmacy. Click here to read more about how Partners Pharmacy is supporting New Jersey field hospitals using their APS PassPort™ system to dispense medication.
Consonus Pharmacy: Setting Clear Priorities during COVID-19
“The pandemic presents us with a true Black Swan event … an event that stresses our business far beyond limits previously imagined or planned for. One of our first responses … set clear priorities that guide our actions.”, says Neil Marshall, President, Consonus Pharmacy. Click here to read about the top four priorities guiding Consonus Pharmacy and learn more about their “Positivity Campaign”.
From Saliba’s Extended Care Pharmacy: Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, Persevere
Saliba’s Extended Care Pharmacy, understanding the hope and strength provided with a simple thank you and a promise of support, put together a special video for nurses and caregivers. “You are always essential; but now, more than ever, you are an indispensable component of our healthcare infrastructure, and of our united defense against the onslaught of COVID -19”, John Saliba, RPh., President. Click here to read the letter from John Saliba, and watch the video.