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McKesson ideaShare allows independent pharmacies to innovate and thrive

Attendees fostered deeper connections and discovered new ways to strengthen their profession through three days of engaging sessions.

IRVING, Texas — Last week, McKesson Corporation hosted more than 2,500 attendees representing independent pharmacies at the 2025 McKesson ideaShare conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Attendees fostered deeper connections and discovered new ways to strengthen their profession through three days of engaging sessions. Sessions included more than 20 continuing education courses, countless peer-to-peer connection opportunities, and visits with exhibitors from across the country.

Crystal Lennartz

“Independent pharmacies are a vital force in community health, and McKesson is committed to supporting their continued success,” said Crystal Lennartz, president of Health Mart and Health Mart Atlas. “Patients rely on more than just medications—they rely on the care, connection and commitment that community pharmacies provide. At McKesson ideaShare, we delivered targeted sessions on profitability, clinical services, advocacy and more, aimed at offering practical tools and fresh perspectives to help attendees feel inspired and enable their businesses to thrive.”

McKesson announced new or refreshed solutions and services for community pharmacy customers at the event, including access to Pinpoint Community Solutions™, a tool to help with inventory management, now included as a feature of their ordering portal, McKesson Connect. They also announced new Health Mart Perks, including the launch of Vaccine Optimization Solution. This new solution offers competitive contract pricing on select vaccines, while granting pharmacies the flexibility to purchase what they need.

National Voices in Pharmacy Advocacy Took the Stage

The event also featured updates on McKesson Amplify, the strategic initiative announced at last year’s conference. Since being announced, the program has successfully provided funding to state pharmacy associations across the country, demonstrating McKesson’s dedication to advocating for the future of pharmacy. Notable guests and attendees included Tennessee Pharmacy Association Executive Anthony Pudlo, American Pharmacists Association President Randy McDonough, U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Tennessee’s 1st District and U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter of Georgia’s 1st District, among others.

Dave’s Pharmacy Awarded Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year

During the meeting, the 2025 Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year award was presented. This award recognizes a pharmacy for clinical and business excellence, commitment to leading a healthy community, and advocating for independent pharmacy. Attendees chose the winner during a live onsite vote.

This year’s title was awarded to Dave’s Pharmacy of Alliance, Nebraska. Owner Dave Randolph, R.PH. and his team are an anchor for this rural community delivering innovative clinical services, including point-of-care and A1C testing, and remote patient monitoring to elevate patient care. The pharmacy partners with a local wound care nurse to serve long-term care facilities and home-bound patients. With a strong social media presence and virtual medication consultations, the pharmacy extends its reach well beyond the local community. Randolph actively advocates for the advancement of pharmacy practice and serves as president-elect and legislative committee member of the Nebraska Pharmacists Association.

Additional finalists were Oswald’s Pharmacy of Naperville, Illinois. and Rocky Ridge Drug Co. of Vestavia Hills, Alabama.

Save the Date for McKesson ideaShare 2026

Following the tremendous success of this year’s annual conference, the company announced that McKesson ideaShare will return next year from June 18-21 in Denver, Colo.

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