Tag: 3BL

CONTINUOUS PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT

Our continuous performance improvement strategy is grounded in healthy discussions between an employee and their manager. We expect managers to engage with employees and advocate for the growth and development of their direct reports. We see this development as a partnership that begins with setting meaningful annual goals.

Salaried employees set annual goals in performance, developmental, and personal categories. Employees also track progress towards six key competency areas which reinforce our belief that it’s not enough to just accomplish your goals, but it’s how you accomplish those goals that matters. Managers provide formal feedback at least once a year to employees regarding their performance and progress towards their goals.

Employee performance is further calibrated across operating divisions and is finally reviewed by the executive team to ensure that performance measures were evaluated equitably across the organization. This annual process provides a framework from which managers and employees can collaborate to ensure that employees remain on a meaningful growth trajectory aligned with the needs of the organization.

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT

Because we know our employee population is eager to continue to develop and grow their talents, we offer a wide array of training opportunities for employees to become more proficient in their current roles and grow their careers in preparation for larger, more advanced or developmental roles throughout the Company. Training is offered through a variety of mediums including classroom, in-house, or on-line to accommodate the diverse personal and professional needs of our employees as they move through their careers. Individual development is heavily supported through formal and informal on-the-job programs including paid apprenticeships and cross training. Employees are also encouraged to participate in a variety of cross-functional learning opportunities including safety audits, environmental audits, or capital installation projects. We believe there is no substitute for these diverse on-the-job learning opportunities and their ability to drive team member engagement.

We also recognize that not every employee is on the same development path and, therefore, we provide financial assistance through our tuition reimbursement program to employees whose career development path may require more formal continuing education. We may also cover travel related expenses to help employees attend training that may not otherwise be hosted in our rural communities.

As part of our commitment to developing talent, we participate in leadership training programs to build bench strength at the supervisor and management level. The leadership training brings together mill, timberlands, real estate, and corporate employees who have been newly hired or promoted and those individuals who are essential to developing future leaders. The multiday training modules include workshops on a wide range of issues such as leadership, conflict resolution, supervisory skills, and coaching tactics, and build a greater understanding of all the businesses within the Company. Employee engagement following the training has been very positive with employees feeling that interaction with executive leaders and peers strengthened their leadership network and that the skills they developed are directly applicable to the workplace challenges they face every day.

SUCCESSION PLANNING

Succession planning is critical to ensuring that we have the right people in the right position at the right time. We conduct annual succession planning meetings across the organization, starting with our local operations and rolling up to our division and corporate levels, including our executive team. This robust calibration process ensures that we review all employees and their potential to move or develop within the organization. Individuals who have demonstrated a desire and ability to move to new leadership roles collaborate with their managers to document meaningful development plans designed to ensure that their development remains on track.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  Words such as “annual,” “at least once a year,” “campaign,” “can,” “commitment,” “continuous,” “designed,” “ensure,” “expect,” “every day,” “goals,” “may,” “objectives,” “opportunities,” “plan,” “potential,” “progress,” “project,” “trajectory,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  These statements reflect management’s views of future events based on assumptions and are therefore subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, and are not guarantees of future conduct, results, or policies.  Please view the Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information on page 134 of PotlatchDeltic’s 2022 ESG Report.

The National Private Trucking Council presented Marathon Petroleum with its Silver and Bronze Seal Awards for safety at the annual Education Management Conference.15 fleets from Marathon Petroleum received the safety awards based on their 2023 vehicle accident performance.Marathon Petroleum is focused on safety on the roads and credits Smith Systems training, a fatigue policy and in-cab safety features for the year-over-year safety improvements.

The National Private Trucking Council (NPTC) awarded 15 fleets from Marathon Petroleum with safety awards based on their 2023 vehicle accident performance. Marathon Petroleum was recognized for its safety record at the NPTC Annual Education Management Conference.

“Our drivers spend a large percentage of their time on the road interacting with the public, so driving has continued to be one of our primary safety focus areas,” said Jocko Langlois, Marathon Petroleum’s Trucking & Rail – East Transport Operations Director. “Through the use of program tools like Smith Systems training and fatigue policy, plus additional in-cab safety features such as collision avoidance, blind spot notifications, and an onboard camera system for driving behavior, the employees in these fleets have been successful in reducing the number of vehicle accidents year over year. This is not only positive for our employees and our company but also the communities where we work.”

Silver Seal Award – Certificate of Merit

This certificate is awarded to a company and its employees for an improved safety record in the operations of its private fleet. It is awarded for a terminal that reduced its accident frequency rate by 40% or more, compared to its record of the previous year.

Argo, IllinoisBay City/Flint, MichiganEl Paso, TexasGaryville, LouisianaHammond, IndianaJackson, MichiganLansing, MichiganLeach, KentuckyLexington, KentuckyMason, TexasMidland, PennsylvaniaNorth Muskegon, MichiganRoosevelt, Utah

Bronze Seal Award – Certificate of Progress

This certificate is awarded to a company and its employees for safety progress in the operations of its private fleet. It is awarded for a terminal that reduced its accident frequency rate by 20% to 39% compared with its record of the previous year.

Salt Lake City, UtahTucson, Arizona

In 2023, 13 Marathon Petroleum fleets received NPTC Safety Seal Awards.

Interested in Driving for MPC?

Find career opportunities as a transport driver today.

PORTLAND, Ore., May 10, 2024 /3BL/ – KeyBank has entered a new multiyear partnership with the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC, it was announced today. The partnership includes naming rights to the northeast entrance of Providence Park, which will be unveiled as the ‘KeyBank Community Plaza’ on May 9. 

“We are very excited to have KeyBank return as a partner and look forward to unveiling the KeyBank Community Plaza to Timbers and Thorns fans,” said Timbers CEO Heather Davis. “We are proud to work with KeyBank to utilize our shared platform to help support deserving non-profits and small businesses.” 

The KeyBank Community Plaza will host a local nonprofit or small business on Timbers and Thorns match days. Fans will have the opportunity to engage with and learn about the highlighted organization at an informational table on the concourse. The Timbers will also provide marketing support throughout the matchday, with the intent of generating awareness and exposure for the participating organizations. 

“We are pleased to continue to partner with KeyBank,” said Alexis Lee, President, Business Operations, Thorns FC. “It’s important that we continue to partner with community-first organizations like KeyBank. We look forward to collaborating with them as we both work to provide a positive impact on small businesses across the Portland area.” 

A founding partner of the Portland Timbers in 2011, KeyBank is returning for its 13th season with the club. With community at the forefront of the partnership, KeyBank has collaborated with the Timbers and Thorns on many local initiatives in years past, including Fields For All projects, Boys and Girls Club opportunities, and Stand Together Week. 

“We are proud to sponsor the Providence Park KeyBank Community Plaza,” said Josh Lyons, KeyBank Oregon and SW Washington Market President. “We hope this space provides a sense of gathering, togetherness, and celebration for the years to come. KeyBank is honored to partner with both the Timbers and Thorns and are excited to support their efforts on and off the pitch.” 

The May 9 unveiling with take place at the KeyBank Community Plaza on the corner of SW Morrison St. and SW 18th Ave. from 3-4 p.m. (Pacific). Club representatives in attendance will include CEO Heather Davis, VP of Community and Social Impact Dr. Robin Beavers, Thorns FC President of Business Operations Alexis Lee, Timbers players Eric Miller and Santiago Moreno, and Thorns FC players Sam Coffey and Meghan Klingenberg. KeyBank will be represented by Market President Josh Lyons. The new nonprofit and small business platform will be demonstrated at the event with MESO and L&M Hair Academy in attendance.

By Kim Borges

In recognition of Earth Day, Regions is sharing a series of articles that highlight how teams and associates across the bank are contributing to our commitment to operate in environmentally sound ways that make life better for all.

The numbers are staggering.

Feeding America estimates more than 44 million Americans are considered food insecure, meaning they don’t have enough to eat and don’t know the source of their next meal; at the same time, 80 million tons of wasted food goes into landfills annually.

Unconsumed food equates to more than missed opportunities to nourish those who are hungry. It also generates significant carbon dioxide emissions from food handling, production and transportation plus methane emissions as it breaks down in landfills.

But there are solutions. Consider the work of two Regions Bank community partners that are doing their part to feed neighbors in need and promote sustainability and efficiency. We’re highlighting their efforts here during Earth Week.

Indianapolis: Second Helpings Scores a Slam Dunk in Reducing Food Waste

The team at Second Helpings has shown they can put on a clinic about how to rescue tens of thousands of pounds of food from large-scale sporting events. So, when the National Basketball Association hosted its 2024 All-Star weekend in Indy in February, the league knew exactly who to turn to for an assist as its food rescue partner.

Since its 1998 founding, Second Helpings, a longtime Regions Bank community partner, has rescued more than 50 million pounds of food that would have otherwise gone into landfills. The Regions Foundation, a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank, has also supported Second Helpings’ Culinary Job Training program, which uses that same rescued food to help train adults facing barriers to gain employment as cooks, executive chefs, restaurateurs and more.

Second Helpings’ NBA All-Star rescue netted 17,239 pounds of food toward those goals.

“We received a large mixture of raw, bulk produce, as well as salads, sandwiches, barbeque and various proteins,” said Jon Meinert, Second Helpings’ Food Rescue and Transportation director. “We were able to distribute all the individually packaged, prepared items within 24 hours, with the majority sent directly to our agency partners. Most of the other items were processed and utilized by our Hunger Relief team in our own meal preparation.”

And what would a sporting event be without snacks?

“We received three large pallets of popcorn from the stadium,” Meinert added. “It was a huge hit with our Boys and Girls Club and parks partners, and our warehouse smelled phenomenal!”

There are many highlights to working on sustainable food rescue from large-scale events. My favorite is knowing the harder we push and more food we can capture equates to a larger community impact.

Jon Meinert, Second Helpings’ Food Rescue and Transportation director

While Second Helpings arrives post-game for pick up, they sometimes face logistical factors requiring Meinert and team to pivot.

“Like for most attendees, one of the hardest parts is accessing the venues,” he explained. “Working through street closures and taking alternate routes is always a challenge that must be addressed with patience and a smile.”

Meinert is continually scouting the next big opportunity.

“We’re looking forward to racing season, concerts, plus all the great conventions we’re fortunate to host in our amazing city,” he said. “There are many highlights to working on sustainable food rescue from large-scale events. My favorite is knowing the harder we push and more food we can capture equates to a larger community impact.”

Northwest Arkansas: How Does Your Garden Grow?

Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, a Feeding America affiliate, distributed 14 million pounds of food across its four-county service area in 2023 alone. That’s impressive, but you haven’t seen anything yet given the organization’s expansion, which includes moving into a new building in June. The team is also growing its outdoor service capabilities.

Our goal is to yield 20,000 pounds of produce annually, resulting in over 300% more fruits and vegetables to share with our neighbors.

Casey Cowan, director of Client Services

“We currently have a quarter-acre garden, and we plan to expand to a full acre by 2027, with room for three acres,” said Casey Cowan, director of Client Services. “Our goal is to yield 20,000 pounds of produce annually, resulting in over 300% more fruits and vegetables to share with our neighbors.”

But wait, there’s more.

“We’re transferring our current six-by-14-foot greenhouse to our teaching garden and will purchase a 24-by-48-foot greenhouse to assist with our seed starts and planting for the new garden,” added Haley Deatherage, Gardening and Nutrition manager.

Getting fresh produce into their neighbors’ hands and homes has been a priority for years.

“We have a recipe of the month program with our agency partners,” Deatherage said. “I highlight fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those people may not typically cook. We also do sampling events at our Feed Rogers food pantry to let people try new things and provide recipes and ingredients.”

Jaclyn Henderson, Commercial Banking leader and local market executive for Regions Bank, notes the nonprofit is an anchor people, families and even fellow agencies rely on.

“The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank has intentionally and compassionately served our neighbors facing food insecurity for more than 35 years,” said Henderson. “When the community has faced its greatest challenges, their team has uncovered innovative ways to leverage additional resources to help. They’re now enlisting that same approach in expanding their own space and service capacity.”

That creativity has also contributed to being ahead of the conversation curve.

“We use drip irrigation, meaning we only water as much as needed,” explained Deatherage. “We also use no-till gardening to promote soil support and reduce greenhouse gasses and promote native pollinators with our perennial plants.”

The organization’s new teaching garden is blazing trails in another important area as well.

We’re creating an inclusive learning environment by building a garden that’s fully handicap accessible. It will have Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant walkways and accessible, raised beds specially designed to offer wheelchair access.

Haley Deatherage, Northwest Arkansas Food Bank Gardening and Nutrition manager

“We’re creating an inclusive learning environment by building a garden that’s fully handicap accessible,” said Deatherage. “It will have Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant walkways and accessible, raised beds specially designed to offer wheelchair access.”

Amid the growth and change, the mission remains constant.

“We work with families trying to make ends meet,” said Cowan. “There isn’t one specific type of person who comes to our food pantry, but what they share is being trapped in the cycle of food insecurity. Our goal is to disrupt and end that cycle.”

About Regions Foundation
Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

April is Global Volunteer Month, and we want to thank our volunteers for their commitment to do good. To celebrate, let’s look back at one of the nonprofits that’s a favorite among FedEx team members – Rise Against Hunger.  

One year ago, FedEx team members across the globe held volunteer events in their local communities to mark a special day, our 50th anniversary.

In our world headquarters city of Memphis, TN, FedEx volunteers worked together to package 50,000 nutritious meals on behalf of Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit growing a global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives, and responding to emergencies. Added to the meals packaged on MLK Day earlier in 2023, FedEx volunteers in the U.S. contributed close to 221,000 meals.   

The majority of those meals, over 160,000, shipped to the Philippines to support the programs of in-country partners International Care Ministries and Convoy of Hope. With over 44% of the population of the Philippines facing moderate or severe food insecurity, these meals are critical to meeting the immediate nutritional needs of children and families. “It is incredibly rewarding to see the meals that we packaged in the hands of families on the other side of the world,” says Alexandra Martin, FedEx volunteer.

Click here to learn more about Rise Against Hunger’s efforts in the Philippines.

***Philippine images and video published with the permission of Rise Against Hunger

We use the power of our platforms and the creativity of our storytellers to educate viewers, impact culture, and inspire change in the name of protecting our planet.

In honor of Earth Day, Comcast curated a collection of shows, movies, documentaries, and podcasts that celebrate our planet and inspire our audiences.

Explore Earth by Air, Land, and Sea on Xfinity

Xfinity’s Earth Month collection was available throughout the month of April. 

The collection included 25 of the best documentaries about Earth, nature, science and sustainability, from March of the Penguins to Food, Inc.

Looking for something new?

Bad River is a powerful new documentary from filmmakers Mary Mazzio and NBA legend Grant Hill available for the first time exclusively on the Black Experience on Xfinity channel and Xumo Play. The film takes audiences into the heart of the battle to save Lake Superior, led by the Bad River Ojibwe, a Native community located in Northern Wisconsin, in a powerful story of defiance and resilience.

Want to be mystified?

Check out Secrets of the Octopus, a new National Geographic documentary released in time for Earth Day. Narrated by Paul Rudd, the documentary shares remarkable new discoveries affirming the octopus as one of nature’s most intelligent and complex animals. The secrets of the octopus are more extraordinary than we ever imagined.

Prefer the classics?

The collection featured all the greatest nature content in one place, including Planet Earth III (AMC+), Otter Dynasty (Animal Planet), Big Beasts (Apple TV+), A Real Bug’s Life (Disney+), Queens (Disney+, Nat Geo), Life On Our Planet (Netflix), and Chimp Empire (Netflix).

Solutions-oriented?

TED Climate host Dan Kwartler unpacks problems and solutions behind big systemic issues in bite-sized episodes. You’ll find out which bag is best for the planet, imagine our world without humans, and follow the international journey of the very shirt on your back. Learn little ways you can make changes in your daily life, in your towns and cities, and at your workplaces to help change climate change.

Eastman

Sharon Nolen started learning about sustainable living long before she could drive a car. Though she didn’t have a license, that didn’t keep her from driving a tractor at age 12. She learned that skill along with others — like tending the garden and bottle-feeding a calf — on the Middle Tennessee farm her family owned.

Those lessons framed Nolen’s perspective on sustainability and still influence her perspective as manager of global natural resources management for Eastman. As an expert on energy and water, Nolen is a key leader in Eastman’s strategy to mitigate climate change. Now, she’s lending her expertise to influence positive change across the U.S. industrial sector.

Nolen was recently named chair of a federal committee to accelerate technologies and processes that can reduce industrial emissions. Jennifer Granholm, U.S. secretary of energy, selected Nolen to lead the Industrial Technology Innovation Advisory Committee (ITIAC). Congress charged the Department of Energy (DOE) with forming the committee.

Throughout 2024, ITIAC will focus on understanding the DOE’s current industrial decarbonization programs and developing recommendations that support or enhance its efforts. Next year, the committee will deliver its recommendations to Congress on how to speed up decarbonization of American industry.

“What we’ll ultimately do is provide a report to Congress with our insight and perspective on the DOE’s work to advance technologies that provide energy with fewer emissions, including technologies like green hydrogen, carbon capture utilization and nuclear. We’ll also be commenting on sector approaches and potential policies and funding allocations,” said Nolen.

Based at Eastman’s site in Kingsport, Tennessee, Nolen is an Eastman Fellow — the highest rank for the company’s scientists and engineers. She was recognized by the Association of Energy Engineers as its International Energy Manager of the Year in 2019.

Bridging a gap to ensure a better future

The committee includes experts from industry, academia, business and science. Nolen is an authority in energy efficiency, the widely recognized first step for reducing greenhouse gas emissions on the industrial scale. But energy efficiency alone won’t enable U.S. industry to decarbonize, she said. New technologies are essential.

“That’s where our committee is being asked to influence. We need to identify the necessary work to bridge that gap in industry,” Nolen said.

Nolen is a familiar face in the DOE, which has given Eastman several awards of excellence as part of its Better Plants initiative. Eastman also participates in the DOE’s Better Climate program.

Sustainability has come full circle for Nolen. Daily work doesn’t require her to drive a tractor anymore, but those teachings from her parents started her down the road of an impactful and satisfying career.

“Our company is committed to reducing our own carbon footprint and developing innovative products that can help our customers reduce their carbon footprint,” Nolen said. “One of the core values of Eastman’s view of sustainability is that the value we create must be greater than the resources we consume. My parents were believers in that approach too, and they instilled it in their three girls.” Eastman is making progress on its climate strategy with the ultimate goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. From her formative years to now, sustainability has always been personal for Nolen — and now the stakes are even higher for her.

“I have a new granddaughter, and I think about her a lot with the work that we do,” Nolen said. “I want her to have the same opportunities to enjoy nature and the world around her. We need to act today to create that bright future.”

Yum! Brands

We’re launching our #LifeatYUM series to share our unrivaled culture and spotlight our incredible talent.

First up, meet Kendall Ruber, a data scientist at Yum! Brands! As a certified LinkedIn Learning instructor, she personifies how people at Yum! are encouraged to grow and develop in and outside of our four walls. Want to learn more about what Yum! is doing in the digital and technology space – including exciting opportunities to join our team and work with great minds like Kendall? Click here: https://jobs.yum.com/

And if you’re interested in taking Kendall’s course – Top 5 Things to Know in Advanced SQL – follow this link: https://lnkd.in/gUVDEg6n

Keep following us to learn more about #LifeatYUM.

Originally Published by Northwestern Mutual on May, 2, 2024

Feeling like you’re valued for who you are and what you contribute is important at work. But it doesn’t always come easily. There isn’t a magical point in time where a lightbulb goes off and you feel heard and accepted. It’s a constant journey.

We recently heard from several employees at Northwestern Mutual’s internal WISE Women’s Summit – attended by over 2,400 employees live and virtually — on how to stay true to yourself, how to take advantage of the people around you who are willing to invest in you, and how to use the resources in front of you to build your career over time. All to ensure you are seen, valued, and heard.

ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS 

Sheila Jackson, Lead Product Manager 

It’s so important to make your presence known. When you’re at the table, ask questions, have conversations with people outside of meetings, set up coffees, let people around you know what your interests are and what your aspirations are. That’s how you build those relationships that are critical to helping you in your career. 

ON ADVOCATING FOR YOURSELF AND CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT YOU CAN THRIVE IN 

Kindle Robison, Assistant Director Systems Engineering 

This was a very hard lesson for me to learn, and I’m still working on it, but you are responsible for actively participating in creating the environment that you need to succeed. You have to be authentic in order to do that. What I mean by that, is when you’re in a meeting and someone talks over you, or someone makes you feel like an “other,” you have to speak up. It’s your responsibility to advocate for yourself and to have those hard conversations. And slowly but surely it becomes a little bit easier, it’s not as uncomfortable, and you’ll have the environment you need to succeed because the stuff that makes you pause, the stuff that makes you feel bad, isn’t going to be there as much anymore.

ON OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF BEING DIFFERENT 

Monali Mardikar, Assistant Director Software Engineering 

I was born and brought up in India. And when I was a 7th grader, I encountered computers for the first time. I was so fascinated by them, that then and there I decided I wanted a career in computers. But when I was starting out I was the only girl. Then later, after moving to London and then United States after that, I still remained different. I was from India, I was a different color, a different ethnicity, a woman. And coming to work was frightening for me. But I had a leader who recognized I wasn’t being myself, that I was afraid, and he told me “you’re doing well, you can’t doubt yourself.” And having that mentor gave me the courage to keep going and overcome that fear. I knew I was there for a reason and the relationships I built around me at work helped me find courage. 

ON FINDING UNEXPECTED ALLIES AND MENTORS 

Jessica Janz-McKnight, Standards & Governance Senior Specialist 

In my first “real job” I worked in a white, male-dominated industry, and at the time I was the youngest, and only black female research analyst. I often found myself in spaces where people didn’t think I had a lot of credibility. I felt like my coworkers were wondering what could I bring to the table, and what could I do for them that they didn’t already know how to do. So I took advantage of mentorship opportunities. I was paired with the longest-serving research analyst at the organization. He was brilliant, he knew everything about everything, and he knew that he had indispensable skills. What he taught me was the importance of having a skill that nobody can take from you and nobody can replicate. You can find allies in unexpected places. Take as much as you can in those moments until you’re the expert. I no longer feel like an “other,” I feel like I have something unique to bring. 

ON ASKING FOR HELP AND ADVOCATING FOR YOURSELF 

Margaret Lusiba, Senior Director Investment Operations 

I was working in Investment Operations when my young son was in daycare, and it was really difficult for me. Kids get sick, kids need you, and I couldn’t be available for him and for my job 8 hours out of the day. I spoke to my boss – you have to have a good relationship with your leader – and I said “why can’t you give me the option to work from home?” This was before Covid, so obviously he said no to that. But then I suggested taking a computer home for short stints while I was picking up my son, or when he was sick. And because I could demonstrate that my quality of work wasn’t suffering, this option worked out for everybody. You have to be bold, step up and ask for help. 

Learn more about our culture of belonging.

Originally published by Walgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy combines existing specialty assets, fully integrates AllianceRx and represents the company’s latest step to leverage its neighborhood pharmacies into fast-growing areas of healthcare

Investments include new Gene & Cell Services Pharmacy and Innovation Center

DEERFIELD, Ill., May 10, 2024 /3BL/ – Walgreens is expanding its specialty pharmacy services and investing in its capabilities as the company further grows its core pharmacy business to improve patient outcomes and provide greater value to payers and partners. The company today introduced Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy, a holistic offering that expands access to care for patients with complex, chronic conditions and enables partnerships that drive profitability for Walgreens’ pharmacy business. The company is also making investments that will transform its specialty pharmacy offerings, including gene and cell therapy services.

Under the new business, Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy has an unmatched offering and is the only specialty pharmacy in the market with the following services and assets at scale:

Gene and Cell Services Pharmacy and Innovation Center – a dedicated 18,000-square-foot center in Pittsburgh, PA, with services and capabilities for these emerging therapies, including innovative solutions for managing the complexity of the supply chain, logistics and financing as well as clinical and social needs management to ensure success for patients and partners.Four central specialty pharmacies – each holding several national pharmacy accreditations – where pharmacists and care teams across the country work together to dispense highly complex medications and help patients manage chronic or rare diseases and conditions. These pharmacies hold distinctions in oncology and rare/orphan conditions and offer patients and caregivers clinical services that drive engagement, adherence and outcomes.Nearly 300 community-based specialty pharmacies across the nation – more than any other pharmacy. These specialty pharmacies are strategically located near medical office buildings and health systems, closely aligning care provision with local physicians, offering patients access to specialty medications faster than the industry average, as well as services like injection training, medication side-effect management and financial assistance coordination for medications.More than 1,500 specialty-trained pharmacists, 5,000 patient advocacy support team members and dedicated Specialty360 teams that support all specialty condition and therapies.A growing roster of 240 limited distribution drugs, including 40 narrow networks and 12 exclusive limited distribution drugs.

Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy is focused on breaking through healthcare system silos, bringing convenient access to hard-to-find medications and critical adherence support. Building upon the deep, trusted relationships Walgreens pharmacists have with providers and communities, the model enables more comprehensive care to ultimately help payers better manage specialty costs.

Accelerating Walgreens growth in one of the fastest-growing market segments

Specialty medications today account for more than 50% of prescription drug spend in the U.S.[1] due to the increasing prevalence of chronic disease. There is a need for disease management solutions that are treated by specialty drugs. To advance solutions, Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy enables patient access to specialized treatments through a newly formed integrated care model, driving cost savings and efficiencies in care by uniting the company’s pharmacy teams and distribution network across providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, health plans and payers.

“With approximately $24 billion in annual enterprise specialty revenue, Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy is the largest independent provider that offers the industry’s most robust specialty capabilities not vertically aligned with a pharmacy benefit manager,” said Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer, Walgreens. “We have the flexibility to contract dynamically with any payer. We can partner directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers to facilitate products to market, including limited distribution drugs, and coordinate closely with providers to ensure patients experience a smooth start to treatment.”

Walgreens is building on its decades of experience serving the specialty pharmacy needs of commercial, Medicaid, Medicare, and other government and private payers. The company provides services or access to nearly all pharmacy benefit managers and major health plans— as well as alternative payment and service models that help health plans and PBMs differentiate themselves for their clients and members.

Delivering an integrated care model to patients who need it most

Effective August 1, 2024, AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy will become Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy. Patients of AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy and Walgreens community-based specialty pharmacies now have access to resources that will build upon the expert care they already receive from their specialty pharmacist, including clinicians with key disease state expertise, nutritionists and care nurses. Specialty patients can also view their entire prescription profile at Walgreens, including their retail prescriptions.

“When a patient must confront a life-changing, serious health challenge and begins therapy for a chronic or complex condition, our pharmacists are right there to guide and care for them throughout their healthcare journey —from helping them order and take their medication to identifying financial assistance opportunities and working with their doctor and insurance plan to make sure they’re receiving the most coordinated care,” Gates said.

In addition, Walgreens has seen consistent growth through its wholly owned subsidiary Shields Health Solutions, the nation’s premier health system-owned specialty pharmacy accelerator. Shields specialty model provides integrated care solutions for local health systems and specialty pharmacy patients, working with over 1,000 hospitals across 45 states. The Shields business will continue supporting health systems specialty pharmacies, which complement Walgreens newly enhanced specialty pharmacy offerings.

The launch of Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy is the company’s latest initiative aimed at expanding the role its pharmacy teams play in patients’ lives and bringing their clinical expertise to help payers, providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers and partners deliver critical healthcare. It also further supports Walgreens’ efforts to achieve provider status for its pharmacists given their influence and integral role in healthcare delivery.

[1] IQVIA. Global Use of Medicines 2023. https://www.iqvia.com/insights/the-iqvia-institute/reports-and-publications/reports/the-global-use-of-medicines-2023

About Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy

Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy holds several national pharmacy accreditations and services are offered to nearly 300 million covered lives across the country. At Walgreens, the term “specialty” covers services and medications for patients with rare, complex and chronic diseases like cancer, cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s disease, who often require additional support from their healthcare providers. Walgreens specialty pharmacists have additional training to better understand these specialty medications which have unique storage, temperature, and handling requirements; are given by infusion, injection or taken orally; and require close patient monitoring and ongoing clinical support. They also help patients find affordable access to high-cost medications, help with adherence barriers and support patients throughout their treatment.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is included in the U.S. Retail Pharmacy and U.S. Healthcare segments of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader. True to its purpose of “more joyful lives through better health,” Walgreens has a more than 120-year heritage of caring for communities and providing trusted pharmacy services, and today is playing a greater role as an independent partner of choice offering healthcare services that improve care, lower costs, and help patients. Operating nearly 9,000 retail locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Walgreens is proud to serve nearly 9 million customers and patients daily. The company’s pharmacists are playing a more critical role in healthcare than ever before, providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services, including those that drive equitable access to care for some of the nation’s most underserved populations. Walgreens offers customers and patients a true omnichannel experience, with fully integrated physical and digital platforms designed to deliver high-quality products and healthcare services. Within the U.S. Healthcare segment, Walgreens portfolio also includes businesses in primary care, multi-specialty, post-acute care, urgent care, specialty pharmacy services, population health and provider enablement.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424326589/en/

Media Contact

Erin Loverher 
media@walgreens.com