Compassion at the Front Lines of Health Care: Heather Greene Receives Eisai Inc/Alzheimer's Association 2009 CARE Pharmacy Award

Alzheimer's disease is a heartbreaking diagnosis that affects millions of Americans and their caregivers. Pharmacists see these individuals every day in their practices looking for advice on the many concerns that accompany this disease. Patients need look no further for the caring, knowledgeable counsel they have come to expect from their pharmacist than this year's recipient of the 2009 CARE Pharmacy Award-Heather Greene, PharmD-a professional who has worked tirelessly and compassionately on their behalf.

Greene is being recognized by CARE Pharmacy Award cosponsors Eisai Inc and the Alzheimer's Association for the critical role she has played in helping patients and caregivers fight Alzheimer's disease. As a geriatric consultant pharmacist with the Riverside Health System at the Richmond, Virginia, PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) facility, she is a member of an interdisciplinary team that provides care for some of the area's frailest seniors.

Greene, who received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the School of Pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, was described in her nomination as a professional "who goes far beyond being a pharmacist when she works with patients and their families"... "a caring person, a knowledgeable pharmacist, an excellent trainer and educator, and a dedicated volunteer."

Now in its 9th year, the CARE Pharmacy Award recognizes the extraordinary impact that pharmacists can have on the lives of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families. The award is a reflection of Eisai's human health care (hhc) mission, which is to give first thought to patients and their families, and to increasing the benefits that health care provides.

"Alzheimer's is a devastating disease for individuals as well as for their caregivers and family members," said Cynthia Schwalm, president, US pharmaceuticals, Eisai Inc. "Eisai recognizes the integral role pharmacists play in each patient's treatment and care, through ongoing monitoring, counseling, and support. We are proud to honor this year's CARE award recipient for her invaluable contributions to enhance the quality of care for people affected by Alzheimer's disease."

Elizabeth Gould, MSW, LCSW, director of quality care programs for the Alzheimer's Association, wholeheartedly agrees: "As a member of the CARE Pharmacy Award selection committee, I saw the impressive contributions of nominated pharmacists who work as a part of a cohesive team of care providers for people with Alzheimer's disease. We applaud this year's winner on her extraordinary efforts in building a relationship with those living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, helping to educate them about Alzheimer's disease and enhancing the support they receive."

A $1500 donation will be made to the Greater Richmond Alzheimer's Association Chapter, which serves the area where the award recipient resides, and also to the Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Greater Illinois Alzheimer's Association chapters, in recognition of having the most award nominations submitted from within their service areas.