McKesson Debuts Project Oasis to Increase Patient Accessibility to Pharmacies
The program intends to address pharmacy deserts, which are predominantly found in underserved communities.
McKesson Corporation—one of the drug wholesaling world’s “Big Three”—is launching Project Oasis, which is a new initiative whose goal is to further health equity for at-risk populations that live in underserved communities.1 Project Oasis works to find and draw attention to pharmacy deserts, specifically in urban areas where residents may have issues with being able to conveniently access pharmacy services.
McKesson's Global Impact Organization and Community Pharmacy & Health will be taking charge in this effort. After considering various underserved neighborhoods across the United States, as its first site for Project Oasis, the drug wholesaler selected the city of Avondale, OH.
Using what the company calls an “objective screening process,” McKesson worked with Dr. Emmanuel Ayanjoke, a licensed pharmacist who is heavily involved in the community, to assist him in acquiring independent pharmacy ownership. As a result, Ayanjoke is now the owner of Altev Community Pharmacy.
"As a diversified healthcare services company, we recognize the pivotal role community pharmacies play in promoting health equity and bridging gaps in care,” said Nimesh Jhaveri, McKesson’s EVP and chief impact officer. “Project Oasis represents our dedication to making a lasting difference as we live our purpose of ‘Advancing Health Outcomes for All.’”
Ayanjoke also expressed his excitement surrounding these events, noting that "I am proud to be a part of Project Oasis and to have been selected to help serve Avondale and its residents. Every day, Altev Community Pharmacy will provide compassionate, whole person care to help a community that has long grappled with limited access to essential healthcare services.”
In other news, McKesson has also opened up registration for its McKesson ideaShare in New Orleans from June 23–26, an annual event where community pharmacists collaborate in fortifying the pharma industry by increasing the involvement they have in patient’s lives.2
“New Orleans is known for its strength and resilience as is our community pharmacy industry. McKesson ideaShare’s collaborative environment will celebrate our industry while addressing key challenges head-on,” commented Scott Miller, president, strategic, community, and specialized pharmacy, McKesson. “With an emphasis on community impact and profitability, pharmacy teams will share ideas with thousands of their colleagues. And they’ll walk away with the latest clinical and business expertise in pharmacy operations."
References
1. McKesson Launches Project Oasis to Address Pharmacy Deserts in Underserved Communities. McKesson. April 2, 2024. Accessed April 5, 2024. https://www.mckesson.com/About-McKesson/Newsroom/Press-Releases/2024/McKesson-Launches-Project-Oasis-Address-Pharmacy-Deserts-Underserved-Communities/
2. McKesson Invites Community Pharmacists to Push the Industry Forward, Together. McKesson. March 14, 2024. Accessed April 5, 2024. https://www.mckesson.com/About-McKesson/Newsroom/Press-Releases/2024/McKesson-Invites-Community-Pharmacists-to-Push-the-Industry-Forward-Together/
