DUBLIN, Ohio — Pharmacies continue to play a crucial role in addressing primary care gaps for their communities. According to a study from the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, almost 90% of the U.S. population lives within five miles of a community pharmacy, underscoring their importance in providing health and wellness services.
While pharmacies serve as a vital point of care for many, access varies across regions. Research from the National Community Pharmacists Association’s 2025 NCPA Digest, sponsored by Cardinal Health, estimates a decline in the number of pharmacies, and findings from the USC-NCPA Pharmacy Access Initiative show that roughly one in eight U.S. neighborhoods now meets the criteria for a pharmacy shortage area. As pharmacies navigate rising pressures like economic challenges, staffing shortages, financial strains and shifting regulatory expectations, it is increasingly difficult for pharmacy owners to plan for the future.
“Community pharmacies are balancing several demands while continuing to find innovative ways to meet their patients’ evolving needs,” said Brad Cochran, president of pharmaceutical and specialty distribution for Cardinal Health and president of Medicine Shoppe International Inc. (MSI). “We work with our pharmacy customers to offer strategic guidance, solutions and support that allow them to adapt their pharmacy models and deliver excellence in patient care.”
Through Cardinal Health, pharmacy owners and independent franchisees of MSI’s national pharmacy brands, the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy and Medicap Pharmacy, have access to industry experts and a comprehensive portfolio of patient care solutions.
Strengthening Financial Resiliency
Across the industry, pharmacies are navigating a complex financial environment defined by such pressures as declining gross margins and inefficiencies with staffing and inventory. Roughly 80% of retail pharmacies reported that their financial health declined in 2024 according to research from the 2025 NCPA Digest.
Cardinal Health and MSI offer a range of solutions designed to strengthen pharmacies’ financial performance, improve cash flow and reduce administrative burden. For example, Inventory Optimization allows pharmacies to optimize their inventory levels using forecasted reordering capabilities and customizable dashboards and reports. Cardinal Health also provides Reimbursement Consulting Services to help pharmacies improve their payment accuracy by identifying reimbursement errors and offering steps to resolve them. To support the management of third-party payments, Cardinal Health’s Reconciliation streamlines this process and provides transparency into financial trends, enabling pharmacies to make better-informed business decisions.
Expanding Services to Serve More Patients
Patients are continuing to turn to their local pharmacies for an ever-growing range of needs. Wolter Kluwer’s Pharmacy Survey indicated that 58% of Americans are likely to visit a local pharmacy as a first step when faced with a non-emergency medical issue.
With more patients relying on their pharmacists, immunizations create meaningful growth opportunities for pharmacies and expand access to convenient, affordable care. Cardinal Health’s Immunization Services support this by offering immunization programs, including education, clinical resources and physician-signed protocols, which help pharmacists confidently administer routine and seasonal vaccines. By leveraging Immunization Services, pharmacy teams can keep their communities protected -year-round.
The offering of diagnostic testing services in pharmacies extends access to patient care as well. Through Cardinal Health’s Point-of Care Testing program, pharmacies can offer rapid diagnostic and wellness screenings that provide faster, more convenient care, often allowing patients to be tested and treated in a single visit.
Empowering the Voices of the Pharmacy Community
As pharmacies consider new ways to serve their patients, they continue to play a transformative role as advocates. Pharmacists are actively shaping policy changes and driving legislative action across the state, federal and national levels.
“Pharmacies have shown the power of their collective voice in driving meaningful policy change and advocating for the patients they serve,” said Coch-ran. “Their leadership makes a real difference in the services patients can access in their communities..”
By supporting pharmacists with grassroots advocacy, including sharing best practices, legislative tools and industry resources, Cardinal Health is helping them engage on issues impacting their pharmacies and their patients.
Additionally, the company’s One Voice Initiative is providing direct financial assistance to state pharmacy associations to support pharmacists’ advocacy efforts. This investment builds on Cardinal Health’s long-standing commitment to the future of community pharmacies and ongoing partnerships with industry organizations. These partnerships help pharmacists build relationships with elected officials at all levels of government.
Responding to Market and Patient Demands
Cardinal Health continues to make strategic investments in its core capabilities and distribution network to drive service, enhance efficiency and meet the evolving needs of its customers with even greater reliability and responsiveness. In summer 2025, the company opened the Consumer Health Logistics Center (CHLC). This first-of-its-kind replenishment hub delivers one of the broadest selections of consumer health products in the industry. The facility supports the growing over-the-counter, wellness and consumer health market.
“The CHLC reflects our commitment to anticipating what pharmacies need as customer expectations evolve,” said Cochran. “Through this investment, we’re helping pharmacies strengthen their front ends, grow their businesses and continue to deliver the convenient experiences patients want.”
Beyond the CHLC, Cardinal Health is investing in advanced technology and AI-enabled solutions to improve the ordering experience, strengthen inventory visibility and build even greater resiliency across its network, including during natural disasters and severe weather. State-of-the-art robotics and automation are also key capabilities that will be leveraged in the new flagship pharmaceutical distribution center in Indianapolis, scheduled to open in fall 2027.
Medicine Shoppe International
KEY EXECUTIVE
Brad Cochran, President
HEADQUARTERS
7000 Cardinal Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017
Phone: (614) 757-5500
Website: medicineshoppe.com; medicap.com
TRADE CLASS — Drug Chain
FULL-YEAR RESULTS (6/30/25)*
Systemwide sales — $1.01 billion**
Pharmacy sales — $984 million**
Number of stores — 341 in U.S., plus over 120 internationally
Number of pharmacies — 341 in U.S., plus over 120 internationally
Number of states operating — 41, plus D.C., Virgin Islands,
and 2 other countries
*Franchisor Medicine Shoppe International Inc. is a subsidiary of Cardinal Health Inc. and does not report earnings or revenue. The drug stores operate under The Medicine Shoppe and Medicap Pharmacy banners.
**CDR estimate.
