Kroger's Family of Pharmacies Receives American Pharmacists Association Pinnacle Award

CINCINNATI, Aug. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. KR family of pharmacies was named a 2014 Pinnacle Award honoree by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) in recognition of the company's significant contributions to patient care and outcomes.

"We are honored to receive this recognition," said Philecia Avery, PharmD, Kroger's vice president of pharmacy.  "The Pinnacle Award is a testament to our pharmacy teams' amazing work and dedication to patient care."

Kroger, which was named this year's Group Practice–Health System–Corporation Award winner, operates more than 2100 pharmacies in 34 states and Washington, D.C.

Kroger strives to provide a holistic, personalized, quality health experience in addition to filling prescriptions.  Everyday pharmacy services include vaccinations, Medication Therapy Management, and a variety of health screenings.  Many locations offer more intensive education and management programs such as diabetes and heart healthy coaching, diabetes self-management education, fitness, nutrition and weight management, and smoking cessation.  Kroger is also utilizing innovative methods to improve medication adherence, reduce hospital readmissions and lower total health care costs.

"Collaboration has been a key to our success.  Partnering with organizations like the APhA Foundation, health systems and universities has enabled us to develop and test unique interventions," said Jim Kirby, PharmD, BCPS, CDE, Kroger's clinical coordinator.  "These programs are using a team-based approach to provide patient-centered care and improve health outcomes."

The Pinnacle Awards were established in 1988 by the APhA Foundation to celebrate significant contributions to the medication use process through increasing patient adherence, reducing drug misadventures, promoting the use of national treatment guidelines, improving patient outcomes or enhancing communication among the members of the health care team. 

Kroger and other award recipients will be honored in September during a ceremony at APhA headquarters in Washington, D.C. 

Kroger, one of the world's largest retailers, employs more than 375,000 associates who serve customers in 2,640 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's.  The company also operates 786 convenience stores, 320 fine jewelry stores, 1,240 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food processing plants in the U.S.  Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and grassroots organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 200 million meals a year through more than 80 Feeding America food bank partners.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.