Walgreens, Rx Response augment disaster response solution

WASHINGTON — Walgreens and Rx Response on Monday announced a new healthcare collaboration developed to help ensure patient access to medications following a natural disaster. 

"Medications, especially for those with chronic conditions, can be one of the most important health care needs that are difficult to meet in the aftermath of a natural disaster," stated Tim Belka, Walgreens director of global security services. "By giving people a place to go for information and critical pharmacy or health care services during a time of crisis, Walgreens and Rx Response can help with disaster relief efforts for impacted communities."

The relationship centers around the Rx Response Pharmacy Status Reporting Tool and enhancements made to that tool as a result of the Rx Response-Walgreens relationship. The PSRT is an online program that allows emergency managers and the public to readily locate open pharmacies in communities that have been impacted by severe weather or other events. The tool was first developed by Rx Response in 2009.

In partnership with the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs, Emdeon/eRx and Relay Health, the PSRT monitors electronic billing transmissions from pharmacies to insurance processing companies. When a pharmacy is transmitting electronic billing data, it is presumed open and Rx Response posts the pharmacy's location on an interactive map on the Rx Response website.

Walgreens will be the first U.S. pharmacy chain to provide status reports on its pharmacies directly to Rx Response, to help ensure more timely reporting on Walgreens stores able to help serve impacted communities.

The tool most recently was deployed in response to Hurricane Isaac and its enhanced capabilities provided federal, state and local emergency management officials with valuable assistance in the days following the hurricane.

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