ConnectRx Addresses Pharmacy Desert Concerns in Local Community with Free Home Delivery
ALBANY, N.Y. – December 15, 2021 – When national retail chains closed their doors in downtown Albany earlier this year, local residents were left wondering where they would fill their prescriptions. CDPHP is proud to be able to address local pharmacy desert concerns with the grand opening of ConnectRx Hometown.
Conveniently located in Watervliet, the space has been transformed to best serve the needs of the local community – and not just CDPHP members. Further, it’s one of the only pharmacies in the region that will provide free home delivery to neighboring areas, including temperature-controlled, life-saving medications such as insulin.
“Today’s grand opening of ConnectRx Hometown is another important step in our quest to transform the way patients access care health care in our community,” said John D. Bennett, MD, president and CEO of CDPHP. “Along with our historic partnership with Community Care Physicians, P.C., and the opening of our multispecialty building in Clifton Park, 1785 Route 9, CDPHP is well on the way to creating an integrated delivery system that puts patients first.”
“I’m so pleased that CDPHP is further expanding into the community pharmacy space with a retail location that’s been part of the Watervliet community for more than 60 years,” said Eileen Wood, executive vice president and chief pharmacy officer for CDPHP. “In addition, the ConnectRx Hometown business model and innovative automation will allow pharmacists to spend more time with patients to ensure they receive the personalized care they deserve.”
“It’s always a win for our community when a business is able to find innovative ways to serve customers in a personal, caring way,” said Mark Eagan, president of the Capital Region Chamber. “We’re thrilled to welcome ConnectRx Hometown to Watervliet to better address the pharmacy needs of the surrounding area.”
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III said, "Pharmacy deserts are a reality, especially in urban and rural areas. No better case in point is the 108th Assembly district where, in a short period of time and within 10 miles, four national chain pharmacies left the area because of sustainability in the marketplace. At the same time, and I see this firsthand in government and pharmacy, we are relying even more on a ‘health at home’ system that requires providers to meet patients where they are at. ConnectRx Hometown helps fill the void left by the departure of others, but also will help raise a profile on the pharmacy desert issue which needs government attention and greater provider commitment. Much has been learned through the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to disparities in health care and the role pharmacy can play to address those disparities. As a representative but also a pharmacy colleague, I welcome ConnectRx Hometown as a partner in providing a solution."
“The opening of ConnectRx Hometown shows the confidence CDPHP has in our community,” said Charles V. Patricelli, Mayor, City of Watervliet. “We welcome you not only as a business partner, but a neighbor in our family. “
ConnectRx Hometown accepts all major insurances. Visit pharmacyconnectrx.com to learn more.
###
About CDPHP®
Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 29 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram