Independent Community Pharmacies and Public Health Preparedness: A Novel Engagement Structure and Recommendations for Ongoing Partnerships.

Abstract

The demands for vaccination, testing, and community outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic extended beyond public health capabilities. The role of independent pharmacies proved invaluable as they partnered with local, state, and federal public health entities to provide additional capacity. However, the complexities of federal partnering agreements and the limited awareness of independent pharmacy networks could delay engagement and support for underserved communities in future responses. Addressing this challenge requires tailored public-private partnership agreements and resilience frameworks for data sharing based on experience and exercises. This case study describes the experiences of independent pharmacies during the COVID-19 response, opportunities for sustained public health and pharmacy engagement, and recommendations for building a framework for rapid scale-up before the next public health emergency. Under the direction of the National Community Pharmacists Association Innovation Center, aggregators of independent pharmacies have collaborated to form the Independent Community Pharmacy Consortium for Federal Government Engagement. This consortium represents a majority of the 18,900 independent pharmacies in the United States and establishes a single initial point of contact for government agencies to reach independent pharmacies. The development and management of the consortium remains outside of the government, enabling continuity and flexibility. This case study offers a unique perspective of public health engagement and partnership with independent pharmacies based on documented responses, exercises, and discussions.