IRVING, Texas — Last week, McKesson Corporation hosted McKesson ideaShare 2026, the company’s annual event for independent community pharmacies, in Denver, Colorado. McKesson ideaShare is a premier event for independent community pharmacy professionals, bringing together leaders from across the country for education, networking and collaboration focused on helping independent pharmacies innovate and thrive.
“Independent pharmacies play an essential role in care delivery, with patients relying on them not just for prescriptions, but for personalized support with an increasing range of services,” said Crystal Lennartz, president, Health Mart and Health Mart Atlas. “At McKesson ideaShare, we brought the independent pharmacy community together to learn from one another, pairing meaningful connection with actionable education on business, patient care and advocacy. This helps pharmacy teams strengthen their businesses, amplify their voice and continue serving patients.”
Advancing Pharmacy Through Innovation and Advocacy
McKesson ideaShare 2026 focused on the strategies, tools and connections independent community pharmacies need to navigate a changing health care landscape and create lasting value for patients and communities. The event highlighted emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), with opportunities for attendees to participate in tech-focused education, explore new tools and experience hands-on interactions with AI-powered solutions for their pharmacies.
The event also highlighted how advocacy efforts are helping to advance and protect independent community pharmacy at the local, state and national levels. McKesson is continuing its commitment to supporting state pharmacy associations and their advocacy efforts through dedicated funding via McKesson Amplify. Applications for 2027 McKesson Amplify funding are now open, and eligible state pharmacy associations are encouraged to apply.
Mace’s Pharmacy Awarded Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year
During McKesson ideaShare, Health Mart presented the 2026 Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year award. The annual award recognizes independent community pharmacies that demonstrate excellence in patient care, business innovation and community impact. Attendees chose the winner through a live, onsite vote.
This year’s title was awarded to Mace’s Pharmacy of Barbour County, West Virginia. Owners Rich Mace, PharmD, Kathy Mace and their team are dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of Barbour County and the surrounding community. For nearly 25 years, Mace’s Pharmacy has grown alongside the families it serves—providing personalized care, expanding clinical services and remaining deeply invested in the well‑being of its community.
“Our approach to care is rooted in service. We believe we have been placed in our community for a purpose— to care for patients, show up in times of need and serve others. That belief guides how we treat patients, how we support our community, and how we make decisions as a business,” said Rich Mace.
Additional finalists were Butterfield’s Pharmacy of Port St. Lucie, Florida, and Latham’s Pharmacy of Arab, Alabama.
Recognizing Excellence in Community Pharmacy
Additional acknowledgements at McKesson ideaShare 2026 included the Trailblazer Award, presented to Shahida Choudhry, PharmD, and the Going the Distance Award, presented to CHCC Outpatient Pharmacy. Choudhry, owner of Palms Pharmacy in Tampa, Florida, was recognized for redefining what is possible in independent pharmacy through innovative care delivery and national leadership. CHCC Outpatient Pharmacy, located in Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was honored for expanding access to care and maintaining uninterrupted service despite geographic isolation, severe weather, and supply chain challenges, reinforcing its role as a dependable healthcare resource.
McKesson ideaShare 2026 Product Showcase
The McKesson ideaShare 2026 Product Showcase highlighted solutions designed to help independent community pharmacies strengthen their operations, expand patient care and meet evolving community needs. For the first time at McKesson ideaShare, attendees evaluated these tools and voted on the solutions they believe could have the greatest impact on their business and the patients they serve. Additional details including category winners and honored solutions can be viewed online.
Save the Date for McKesson ideaShare 2027
Following the momentum of McKesson ideaShare 2026, the event will return to Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada from June 24-27, 2027.
