Bessemer, Ala. (Dec. 18, 2024) – Today, American Pharmacy
Cooperative, Inc. (APCI) celebrates 40 years of providing vital services and
advocacy for independently-owned community pharmacies across the United States.
Originally chartered by a group of Birmingham-area
pharmacists as the Alabama Pharmacy Cooperative on Dec. 18, 1984, APCI has
grown from a small, member-owned purchasing group to a dynamic organization
committed to empowering independent pharmacies by offering innovative programs,
services, and support to its members in 31 states.
For four decades, APCI has remained committed to its mission
of supporting independent pharmacy owners by offering solutions that increase
operational efficiency, foster business growth, and enhance patient care. From
group purchasing power to cutting-edge technology, APCI continues to deliver
services that enable local pharmacies to compete effectively against large
corporations, all while maintaining the personalized care that independent
pharmacies are known for.
“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the
dedication of our members and the commitment of our team to strengthening
independent pharmacies nationwide,” said Tim Hamrick, CEO of APCI.
“Since 1984, APCI has championed the causes of community pharmacy owners,
providing them with the tools, resources, and advocacy they need to thrive in
an increasingly challenging healthcare environment. We are incredibly proud of
our role in helping local pharmacies continue to serve their communities with
personalized, high-quality care.
“As we look forward to the next 40 years, we remain
committed to providing our members with the tools and support they need to
continue serving their patients and communities,” Hamrick added.
APCI’s advocacy efforts are a cornerstone of its work. The
cooperative has been an influential voice in advocating for policies that
benefit independent pharmacies, whether it’s opposing unfair reimbursement
practices, defending pharmacy rights, or advocating for fair drug pricing.
APCI’s efforts on both the state and federal levels ensure that independent
pharmacy owners have a seat at the table when decisions are made that impact
the industry.
In addition to its advocacy work, APCI offers a range of
innovative services designed to support its members’ operational and financial
success. These include Pharmacy Retailing Operations (PRO), which focuses on
retail and financial management; APCI Choice, a program that offers claims
management and clinical pharmacy services; CAPS pharmacy audit services; and
many more. Unlike other providers, APCI delivers these programs at cost,
ensuring that members benefit from high-quality services at significantly lower
rates than they would find in the broader marketplace. By offering these
resources at no markup, APCI helps independent pharmacies streamline their
operations, enhance profitability, and improve patient care.
As APCI celebrates this milestone, the organization looks
forward to continuing its mission to strengthen the independent pharmacy
community and ensure that these vital businesses remain an integral part of
healthcare for generations to come.
About APCI
Founded in 1984, American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc. (APCI)
is a cooperative that serves locally-owned independent
pharmacies across the United States. With members in 31 states, APCI provides
its members with group purchasing power, innovative programs, and services
designed to enhance operational efficiency and financial performance. APCI is
also a passionate advocate for independent pharmacies, actively working at the
state and federal levels to protect the interests of its members and the
communities they serve.
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