The Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) has recognized Story County Medical Center as its 2023 recipient of the Patient Care Partner Award. The award was presented at the association’s 2023 Annual Meeting on June 15 in Des Moines.
The Patient Care Partner Award recognizes an innovative and creative practice that has demonstrated an enhanced level of care. The award is presented to a physician, medical practice, clinic, or other health care provider who has developed a patient care program that works cooperatively with pharmacists to optimize patient care.
Story County Medical Center was recognized by IPA as an innovator in patient care, serving a vital role in helping vaccinate Central Iowa communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the spring of 2021, Story County Medical Center donated staff time from EMTs, nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, PAs and administration to conduct more than a dozen vaccine clinics throughout Story County. Story Medical greatly assisted community pharmacies at this time, as pharmacies were receiving pallets of hundreds of COVID-19 vaccines without the manpower to distribute them. Hosting one of the first mass vaccination clinics in the state, Story County Medical Center’s model was replicated by the health department for future clinics in the county.
In addition to efforts throughout the pandemic, Story County Medical Center was cited for its continuing cooperation with area pharmacies on PCM cases, collaborative practice, vaccination protocols, and other clinical initiatives. IPA noted that this work brings Iowa healthcare providers together and allows Iowa pharmacists to provide enhanced care and services for their patients.
“Iowa pharmacists are grateful for Patient Care Partners like Story Medical,” said Kate Gainer, Executive Vice President & CEO of the Iowa Pharmacy Association. “Collaboration improves healthcare access and outcomes, particularly in our rural communities.”
About the Iowa Pharmacy Association
The Iowa Pharmacy Association is the state society representing the profession of pharmacy in Iowa, united for the purpose of promoting safe and effective medication use to improve the health of patients. Established in 1880 and strengthened in 1999 through unification with the Iowa Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the Iowa Pharmacy Association preserves and advances the interests of the profession and serves the professional needs of all pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians.