16th Annual NACDS Foundation Dinner Raises $1.9 Million for Cutting-Edge Research Portfolio

New York, NY - The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation celebrated its 16th Annual Foundation Dinner last evening in New York City, New York. The dinner raised a record $1.9 million, which will continue to fuel the Foundation’s patient-centered care research agenda, which was on full display during the gala event. Walgreen Co. and Duane Reade Inc. were the premier sponsors of last evening’s event. More than 100 companies from a diverse range of industries sponsored the event.

The entire program emphasized the research portfolio of the NACDS Foundation, including: initiatives to encourage patients to take their medications as prescribed and thus improve their health; strategies to prevent hospital readmissions by improving patients’ understanding of their medications; use of medication management in emerging healthcare models, such as accountable care organizations and medical homes; and efforts to improve the detection and treatment of flu and strep.

Barbara Walters, highly-respected news correspondent, host and producer delivered the keynote address, sharing poignant experiences from her five decades in television news, primetime specials and daytime television.

The NACDS Foundation Dinner program also included recognition of outstanding contributions in advancing public health by Kenneth E. Thorpe, Ph.D., Chairman, Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University. A Robert T. Woodruff Professor, Thorpe received the 2014 NACDS Foundation Excellence in Patient Care Award in recognition for his distinguished career in public health as an educator, author and healthcare expert.

“We are pleased to recognize Dr. Thorpe’s esteemed career in advancing public health as the recipient of the NACDS Foundation Excellence in Patient Care Award,” said NACDS Foundation President Kathleen Jaeger. “His commitment to patient care is remarkable as evidenced by his honorary congressional and presidential distinctions. We thank him for his continued service in educating future advocates in public health.”

Capping off the annual dinner, Jaeger said, “The NACDS Foundation is grateful for the generosity and commitment of its benefactors. Without your support we could not continue our mission of engaging in research and education that benefits patients, improves outcomes and advances public health. Thank you for your continued commitment to the NACDS Foundation.”

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The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that serves as the education, research and charitable affiliate of NACDS. The NACDS Foundation seeks to improve the health and wellness of the people in America. It utilizes education, research, and charitable involvement to help people improve their health and quality of life through an understanding of medication therapy and the importance of taking medications appropriately. For more information, please visit www.NACDSFoundation.org.