PRESTIGIOUS PEER HONOUR
North Sydney pharmacy team named top in the province.
A North Sydney medical shop has received a prestigious honour from its peers.
During the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia’s annual conference last month, Shoppers Drug Mart on King Street was named pharmacy team of the year.
The award, which was handed out in Truro, N.S., recognizes institutions that demonstrate exceptional team work and commitment to the advancement of pharmacy services and the profession.
Pharmacist and owner Tanya Howley said her group was nominated by a fellow association member.
As part of the award, a filmmaker was sent to create a
five-minute video that included interviews with three local doctors and pharmacy customers.
“I was very honoured, and I’m still honoured,” said Howley, who has worked as a pharmacist for 13 years.
“I literally cried the entire five minutes (of the video). It was pretty awesome.”
When contacted by the Post, Howley was apprehensive to accept praise.
She thanked her teammates and the community for their support.
“To be honest, you just do what you do for the benefit of the people — you don’t’ think about getting awards,” she said.
The Northside pharmacy offers medication reviews, prescriptions and injections, blood testing for warfarin patients, naloxone kits and a methadone program.
The facility also employs two pharmacists who are certified diabetes educators and offers its own mental health service known as the Bloom Program.
Howley said her store has participated in several community projects such fundraising for the Northside Hospital Foundation and helping build a wig bank for cancer patients in the community.
The North Sydney group will soon focus its efforts this year on an event that will promote self-esteem in young girls.
As part of the annual award, nominated pharmacies must feature a majority of members who belong to the provincial Pharmacy Association.
The award includes a cash prize valued at $500 and an accompanying certificate. Award winners are chosen by the association’s board of directors.
“To be honest, you just do what you do for the benefit of the people — you don’t’ think about getting awards.” Tanya Howley, pharmacist and owner