Q: Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Northwest Indiana and have lived in the Chicago area for the past 25 years.
Q: Where did you go to college/graduate school?
I attended Indiana University where I received my Bachelors in Economics.
Q: What are your favorites?
Food: Influenced by the NW Indiana farming community, I appreciate good BBQ.
Movie: Classic film comedies such as The Philadelphia Story with Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart.
Musicians: 60s genre music such as The Beatles and The Beach Boys.
Destination: Tour of Italy.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
I spend a lot of my spare time gardening during the warmer Midwest months. I also enjoy volunteering at my children’s elementary school in the library and cafeteria and our family is very active with our local park district programs (e.g. ice skating, tennis, dance, and gymnastics).
Q: What kind of work does your company do in 340B and what makes it stand out?
AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy is a specialty pharmacy leading in limited distribution drug access and 340B contract pharmacy services. We are unique as we are a patient centric organization with a goal of improving patient outcomes. We also partner with health care providers to extend their continued mission of patient care.
Q: Why did you choose to work in the 340B space?
In previous years, I was involved with the development of outpatient pharmacies within ambulatory care settings on hospital campuses, medical office buildings, and health centers. 340B was, and continues to be, a key service within these pharmacy settings to provide expanded patient access to much needed discounted drugs. Access to 340B plays an important role in medication adherence, disease management, and patient outcomes.
Q: What do you feel is your most significant contribution to the 340B world or to a 340B customer/client?
I have been working with covered entities for over fifteen years to provide contract pharmacy services that allow them to in turn to expand the type and volume of care they provide to the most vulnerable patient populations. I have seen first-hand many covered entities expand their indigent charity care programs and other provider services to those most in need. I feel proud to have made a direct positive impact on our shared patients’ lives and well being.
Q: What advice do you have for a young professional who has recently launched a career in the 340B space?
Continue to learn about the many aspects and major stakeholders involved in the 340B program and how we all work together as a community. Please keep focused on expanded patient access to the 340B federally administered drug discount program, specialty pharmacy access and optimization, and program compliance.
For questions, Chris can be reached at Chris.Cooper@Walgreens.com.
