Prescription for success: Vernon pharmacy wins national award

Nov 16, 2022 | 6:00 AM

The Vernon Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy has been recognized as the top franchise of the company.

Owner and pharmacist Jody Cunningham recently received the acknowledgment, and it was no small feat, given there are 224 franchisees.

“For a national franchise like The Medicine Shoppe, it is a fairly significant accomplishment, that I think my team has put a lot of work into. It is a big deal for us to be recognized that way,” Cunningham told Vernon Matters.

The award comes after one of the most trying times for anything connected to medicine.

“It certainly has been a challenge. There has been a lot the health care system has stepped up for, and we have just tried to work really hard within our pharmacy and team to try help each other out, work together, try not let some of those pressures pile-up and try to keep our positive outlook to help ourselves and our clients,” Cunningham said.

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There are over 125 pharmacies in the North Okanagan, which means a lot of competition for clients.

“I think what makes ours different is that we strongly emphasize a patient-focused environment, and it is very much a relationship pharmacy where we work hard to create mutually trusting relationships with our clients,” Cunningham stated. “We try to support them in other ways than just providing their medication. We try to make sure that we can assist them in arranging care for other health needs and support them through the journey, and I believe we do go over and above in some of the services we offer.”

Cunningham and her staff of 14 provide service well beyond the prescription counter, doing things like providing feminine hygiene products and helping Vernon’s homeless population, whether in shelters or elsewhere.

“I think that also speaks to the success of our pharmacy, in terms of what we can do. We do take meet people where they are at approach, to work outside of the walls of the pharmacy, to make sure we are reaching the most vulnerable and marginalized who sometimes don’t have equal access to health care or sometimes struggle to take care of their healthcare in ways we might take for granted,” Cunningham added.

One of the key reasons for the award is the open door policy along with the dignity and respect that is shown to every client.

The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy #395 is located at 3605 31 Street, Unit #100.

by Kevin Rothwell

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