NACDS conference focuses early on healthcare discussion

SAN DIEGO The future of health care in America took center stage Sunday with the official opening of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ Pharmacy & Technology Conference in San Diego.

Christopher Dimos, president of pharmacy operations for Supervalu, gave the opening address as this year’s conference chairman to welcome attendees.

NACDS chairman Warren Bryant, who is also president and chief executive officer of Longs Drug Stores, talked about the state of the industry and the challenges that chain drug stores face as the healthcare system evolves, as well as the future of the pharmacy profession and the importance of attracting people to it.

He said the industry must continue improving its value through technology and innovation and “communicate that value effectively” to policy makers and third-party payers.

“If there is one thing you take from this conference, it is that you must, as pharmacists and pharmacy professionals, get involved in the healthcare discussion with your payers and legislators to assure they understand the full value of retail pharmacy,” Bryant said.

The morning business program concluded with remarks from former CNN correspondent Andrea Koppel, who recently became senior vice president of communications and media relations for M+R Strategic Services.