Colleen Lindholz

Walgreens is set to close around 1,200 stores across the U.S. over the next three years in a bold move aimed at revitalizing its struggling retail business. The closures come after a challenging fiscal period where the company faced a $3 billion quarterly loss. Despite this, shares surged following the announcement, as Walgreens revealed a plan to prioritize better-performing stores, adapt to evolving consumer behaviors, and focus on profitability. The healthcare giant continues to reshape its strategy in response to pressures from competitors like CVS and Rite Aid, as well as growing online and dollar store competitors. This restructuring marks a critical phase in Walgreens’ transformation journey. To get the latest updates, keep following Founding Startups. #Walgreens #RetailRestructuring #Walgreens #StoreClosures #RetailNews #BusinessLoss #EconomicImpact #HealthcareRetail #BusinessStrategy #PharmacyNews #StoreClosures #RetailPharmacy #BusinessTurnaround #HealthcareIndustry #StartupNews #FoundingStartups

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As we approach flu season, Albertsons Companies’ pharmacies are here to protect our communities. Albertsons Cos. pharmacies are now scheduling annual flu vaccine appointments to help protect against influenza and its serious complications. Appointments can be made online today via our grocery store apps or websites.    The CDC advises everyone over 6 months old to get a flu shot to help reduce the risk of influenza and its serious complications. According to the CDC, September and October are the optimal months for most people to get vaccinated.   Our experienced pharmacy teams are ready to make the vaccination experience smooth and seamless. Pharmacists are also on hand to answer any clinical questions and help with healthcare decisions. With a comprehensive vaccination program in place, we’re not just offering flu shots but also vaccines for shingles, pneumonia, tetanus, HPV and RSV for eligible adults.    With every vaccination at an Albertsons Cos. pharmacy, customers will receive a coupon for 10% off their next grocery purchase, up to $200. (Terms apply.)    #FluSeason #VaccinationAwareness #AlbertsonsCompaniesPharmacy #CommunityHealth 

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🚨 Breaking Industry News 🚨 "The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) says pharmacists in 47 states can test and treat by writing a prescription, though the list of prescriptions they can write varies. The organization also reports that in about 34 states, pharmacists can do so independently without a collaborative agreement or prescription." -Forbes Digital Is your pharmacy ready to test, treat, and prescribe? Download our step-by-step playbook to ensure your pharmacy team is equipped with the tools they need to provide valuable healthcare services. Get started: https://lnkd.in/g-Nj27hZ #ForPharmacy #TestAndTreat #ClinicalServices

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📢 Attention all pharmacists! The Kentucky Board of Pharmacy has introduced a groundbreaking proposal for a non-resident pharmacist license. This is a significant development for pharmacists who are licensed in other states but provide services to Kentucky residents. Here’s what you need to know: ▪ Active License & Good Standing: Pharmacists must hold an active license in good standing in their own state. ▪ This is a limited license with a $50 application fee and renewal fee. ▪ The non-resident pharmacist license is exempt from CE and the MPJE. This initiative, posted on April 15, 2024, is set to revolutionize the way non-resident pharmacists serve Kentucky citizens. It ensures that if a pharmacist is working out of state, they can still process and dispense prescriptions intended for Kentucky patients, provided they meet the new licensure requirements. Stay ahead of regulatory changes with RegComply™! Whether you’re a healthcare organization, manufacturer, or pharmacy, our cutting-edge alert management platform ensures that the right alerts reach the right people, every time. Boost compliance, streamline regulatory processes, and enhance patient care. Schedule your demo today and experience the power of RegComply! https://d2rx.com/ #Pharmacy #KentuckyPharmacy #NonresidentLicense #PharmacistRegulation

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Top 5 Highest Paying States for Pharmacists! 💊 Do you know how much you’re worth? Do you know how much you should be getting paid? Most pharmacists don’t discuss their pay but luckily for you on this episode we look at the new data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics 📈 So tune in and find out if you’re being paid enough! 🚨New episode out now on “Are you being Underpaid as a pharmacist?! 💰🤔” 🎧 Tune in now to get all the tips you need to land your dream job! on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Podbean 🎧 Like, comment, share, and save! 🙌 Copyright© 2024 CapsuleRxPodcast #pharmacy #pharmacist #pharmacyjobs #pharmacycareer #pharmacistjobs #salary #income

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Big news about Walgreens’ struggles. * * * * Sign up for my newsletter at www.HealthcareAndy.com * * * * CEO says up to 25% of stores are “underperforming” and the stock is down 55% this year. Currently they have 8,700 stores, but the CEO cites worse than expected consumer spending as a main driver against performance. Analysts expect stores to close down, however the exact number of closures is not yet disclosed. There are also reports of Walgreens continuing to shrink its focus on VillageMD. As a reminder, Walgreens invested a whopping $5.2B in the heyday of zero interest rates (2021). This strategy hasn't paid off and the organization is pivoting away. Just back in April 2024 they announced closing 160 VillageMD clinics and a $6B impairment charge (e.g., writing off investment value). Not sure where the investment will ultimately land. Some in our industry may think this is exciting news that will “create opportunity for new players”. I mostly think this is sad. My biggest concern is for the staff (especially those living paycheck to paycheck) and lower-income patients who will be negatively affected by store closures. --- Credit: WSJ

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Well this is interesting. When all three major chains are closing a considerable amount of stores 🏬 at least it’s reassuring that you are not alone in your heavy struggles. Pharmacy industry today is simply that, a struggle. The sad reality is the pharmacy landscape, as it currently exists, is not sustainable long term. PBMs have killed this industry by over auditing, under reimbursing pharmacies, and overcharging patients. Let the pharmacy deserts 🏜️ begin. https://lnkd.in/euG2yAhH

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𝗧𝗶𝗽 #𝟰 − 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 - These are my opinions and not that of the Michigan Board of Pharmacy. If you are going to pay attention to anything I share, this topic should be one to pay close attention to as there are a lot of changes. Our technicians ARE the heart of pharmacy and their roles keep advancing and changing in Michigan. Any pharmacist that allows a non−licensed individual to perform technician duties can be held accountable (not just the pharmacist in charge) 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗙𝗔𝗤'𝘀 1. Do technicians need to be licensed in Michigan? 𝗬𝗲𝘀 2. Do they need to be PTCB or NHA nationally certified? 𝗡𝗼. 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗯𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲. Some employers require it. 3. Are there exceptions to licensure? 𝗬𝗲𝘀. A student, while enrolled in a technician program approved by the Board under R 338.3655. In other words, a technician in training in a Board approved employer-based program. They have 𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 from the date of enrollment to complete the program. 4. If you don't have an employer-based program, are there any other exceptions? 𝗬𝗲𝘀. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻 in 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮 "𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲" while they earn certification to apply for a full license. The temporary license is valid for 1 year from date of issue. (not renewable) 5. If your company has a BOP approved training program, does the technician also need a temporary license? 𝗡𝗼. A best practice is to post, next to the licenses displayed, a certificate showing enrollment in the program 6. **𝗡𝗘𝗪*** What is the minimum age of pharmacy technician? A student who is 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗴𝗲, in a board-approved pharmacy technician program, may participate in practical hands-on training in the pharmacy. ***BUT they can't get licensed until they become 18. 7. Do technicians need to complete continuing education? 𝗬𝗲𝘀.  • 20 hours in a 2-year renewal period • 5 hours of LIVE CE • 1 hour in pharmacy ethics/jurisprudence • 1 hour in pain and symptom management  • 1 hour of implicit bias for each year of renewal (most need two hours) • 1 time training in human trafficking • 1 hour in patient safety 8. What tasks can a pharmacy technician perform? There are a lot but review R 338.3665 Performance of activities and functions; delegation. From reconstitution, technology assisted final product verification (NEW with additional training), remote work (with pharmacist supervision), along providing immunizations if on protocol....(and MORE) (A) Verification of a patient’s medication history. (B) Data entry (C) Claims adjudication (D) Handling phone calls regarding processing prescription/patient data (E) Processing refill requests (F) Transferring prescriptions for non-controlled substances #pharmacy #Pharmacist #pharmacists #pharmacytechnicians

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Hello pharmacists! Here are 3 reasons why pharmacists start their own precision medicine practices. With changes in the pharmacy world, job security is a concern. Dr. Brandi presents 3️⃣ key reasons for pharmacists to venture into precision medicine. https://buff.ly/3WmAcAi LINK IN COMMENTS TO 101 Ways WEBINAR: https://buff.ly/3xQ8xiP

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Take care of your most important asset (the pharmacist) and you won't have to deal with unions. Most health professionals are likely union neutral and don't even think about unions because of the nature of their job,,,helping patients (not customers). That is the "X" factor employee benefit (self-satisfaction you are making a difference) and also to the benefit of their chain employers (can work people terrible hours while overworking and underpaying them). Because pharmacists are in a helping profession, they will tolerate longer, worse hours and so-so pay as highly skilled, highly educated professionals, but only to a point... Now that the line has been crossed for many who work for chains, chain pharmacists everywhere now may be thinking either of a union or working elsewhere. "Pharmageddon" and more intense union activities would not have happened if decision makers were more thoughtful in their strategic decision making. Now these things in the long run may cost them more money than doing the right thing in the first place. This post is coming from a former chain/big box store pharmacist who actually at one time enjoyed working in that model of practice because one really can directly make a difference in the health of patients.

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Attention all pharmacists: Have you heard of the Pil-Bob® Blister Opening Aid for your patients? Patients and caregivers who have motion or dexterity limitations find it difficult to access medications from adherence packaging. The Pil-Bob simplifies the process by piercing the blister backing with its serrated tip, allowing the medication to fall into the surrounding cup. In other words, this assistive device is designed to make medication access easier and hygienic, and maintain accurate dosing for patients and caregivers. Here are some of the key features: 1. Ensures that medication is removed without spills or drops. 2. Keeps patients safe with hygienic design. 3. Supports any adherence packaging. 4. Fits comfortably in patients’ palms, reducing wrist strain. 5. Alleviates repetitive strain during long medication rounds, letting the serrated tip handle the work. Discover how Pil-Bob® can enhance your patients's medication routine today: https://zurl.co/6lsk #JonesHealthcareGroup #MedicationAccessibility #MedicationMadeSimple

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Independent pharmacies are important sources of care for patients around the country. Unfortunately, many are facing significant challenges. Last year, an average of one independent pharmacy per day shut down. 2024 is seeing similar numbers. However, there are policy measures underway to prevent these closures -- two of these policies surround Medicare and Medicaid. The Medicaid Managed Care payment reform will result in independent pharmacies receiving the national drug acquisition cost in addition to the Medicaid dispensing fee. A provision in the Better Mental Health Care, Lower-Cost Drugs, and Extenders Act will also require Medicare and Medicaid to define contract provisions, limiting the amount of outside influence on cost. It's great to see progress on the policy front, but it's important to keep raising awareness of these closures and speaking up for the patients who can't. Pharmacy access is essential, and it's a role that independent pharmacies serve well. #PBM #IndependentPharmacies #Pharmacy #HealthcarePolicy

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Attending the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) conference in Columbus this week was a great opportunity to learn about the impressive work the NCPA is doing to tackle the issue of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)...and push for fair pharmacy practices. Through their #FinishtheFight campaign, they are bringing pharmacists and patients to work together towards positive change. So far this year...NCPA members have sent more than 23,000 letters to Congress...and patients have sent over 6,000 messages in support of strong reforms for PBMs. Here in Ontario...we had a similar engagement with over 1,000 petitions submitted by patients to the government... (in just a couple of weeks of running the campaign)...to respond to the Ministry of Finance's consultation on the issue of Preferred Provider Networks (PPNs). This level of public response and engagement underscores the urgent need for change to these unfair practices. From my perspective on Payer-Directed Care and PPNs: if we are committed to upholding patient care and patient choice, then the path forward is clear...ban PPNs. The U.S. experience with PPNs and PBMs has exposed the detrimental impact these practices have on patient care, as they severely limit access, erode choice, and eventually end up driving drug costs higher...to the point where some patients in the U.S. have to unfortunately make a choice between paying their rent or taking their life-saving medication. For a solution in Ontario...we don’t need to look far. Québec has enacted legislation that prioritizes patient choice and curbs practices that undermine it. This Canadian example offers a practical approach to safeguard essential healthcare principles without overcomplicating the issue. Over-researching and over-analyzing this matter may simply reflect a reluctance to seriously address it and resolve it. The lessons learned from the examples in the U.S. and Québec can give us a clear roadmap to follow. Let's put Ontarians first!...and let's make the shift from "Payer-Directed care" to "Patient-Directed care"! #Pharmacy #PatientChampion

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Walmart is closing all 51 of its health centers and Walmart Health Virtual Care due to a lack of profitability. The company says the decision was difficult, but that the challenging reimbursement environment and escalating operating costs made it unsustainable... and another bites the dust. Even big business isn't immune to the challenges healthcare organizations face today: profitability, rising costs, access, infrastructure, regulation.... What do you think will happen to other retailers that have expanded into healthcare? https://lnkd.in/gF_U2Au7

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Pharmacy deserts are appearing across U.S. as Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS drug store closures spread. Rite Aid pharmacy closures have hit Midwest cities particularly hard. Walgreens has announced it may close as many as 25 percent of its 8,200 stores. Decreased reimbursements are putting the squeeze on drug retailers, and some point the finger at pharmacy benefit managers, which are the target of a new FTC lawsuit, but PBMs are not the only cause of the struggles. $WBA $CVS https://lnkd.in/gvgv9g3N #tradeguard #receivableputoptions #arputs #receivableputs #tradereceivables #accountsreceivables

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