NACDS Comments on Health-Innovation Focus in State of the Union, Congressional Initiative

Arlington, Va.

— In response to the announcement of a new healthcare program in the State of the Union address last night, and in recognition of ongoing Congressional initiatives related to healthcare innovation,

National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE issued the following statement:

“As evidenced in the State of the Union address with the launch of the Precision Medicine Initiative, momentum is growing to help find cures for chronic and fatal diseases through medical innovations.

“Similarly, in 2014 the 21^st Century Cures Initiative was

introduced by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Committee member Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO)

to

harness the power of technology and bring together researchers, innovators and patients in order to

understand diseases better and advance research that will lead toward cures.

“This heightened recognition of the need to find cures for diseases further illustrates the need for collaboration and coordination within the healthcare delivery system, and for bipartisan alignment within the government.

“Pharmacies are k

nown for their commitment to medication safety and effectiveness - providing accurate prescriptions, helping patients take medications as prescribed and safely, and advising patients on potential drug interactions.

And through personal interactions with patients and face-to-face consultations, and innovative new services, pharmacies are also helping to shape the healthcare delivery system of tomorrow — in partnership with doctors, nurses and others.

“Pharmacies are also already - or working toward -

delivering

new drug treatments that can help patients better manage and treat chronic conditions and diseases.

We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress in helping to advance initiatives to help make cures into realities for patients.”

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NACDS represents traditional drug stores and supermarkets and mass merchants with pharmacies. Chains operate 40,000 pharmacies, and NACDS’ 115 chain member companies include regional chains, with a minimum of four stores, and national companies. Chains employ nearly 3.3 million individuals, including 179,000 pharmacists. They fill over 2.9 billion prescriptions yearly, and help patients use medicines correctly and safely, while offering innovative services that improve patient health and healthcare affordability. NACDS members also include more than 800 supplier partners and 60 international members representing 22 countries. For more information, visit

www.NACDS.org.