Cardinal Health names independent pharmacist Harold Harmon recipient of inaugural Ken Wurster community leadership award

Company to donate $10,000 to Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy
WASHINGTON, D.C.— At its annual Retail Business Conference in Washington, D.C., Cardinal Health today named Harold Harmon, owner of H&M Drug of Wedowee, Ala., as the inaugural recipient of its Ken Wurster Community Leadership Award.

The award, which recognizes an independent pharmacist for outstanding contributions to his or her community, was created in honor of Tampa, Fla., independent pharmacist Ken Wurster, who passed away in 2008.

“Ken Wurster was a shining example of everything that independent pharmacy means to our country,” said Steve Lawrence, senior vice president, retail sales and marketing for Cardinal Health. “He was committed to serving his customers and his community with an unfaltering sense of responsibility. It’s our honor to create this award in Ken’s memory – with the goal of recognizing others who exemplify his commitment to family, business, customers and the broader community.”

Community pharmacists and Cardinal Health employees were encouraged to submit nominations for this award, and all nominees were judged on a variety of criteria, including:

· community leadership and involvement;
· their ability to inspire others; and
· their willingness to go above and beyond the day-to-day operations of a retail independent pharmacy to make their community a better place to live.

Most notable among Harmon’s contributions includes establishing an annual fund that awards scholarships to graduating seniors at local high schools in his county. Harmon has also completed several medical mission trips to provide much-needed medical care to needy children and families in impoverished nations. Harmon’s nominators also emphasized his outstanding commitment to patients – offering to be ‘on call’ to address his customers’ questions and needs at any time.

“Harold Harmon is an outstanding pharmacist and has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to not only his immediate community, but to meeting the medical needs of the less fortunate around the world,” said Lawrence. “We feel fortunate to work with and know Harold, as he truly embodies the spirit of community pharmacy and this award.”

Each year, Cardinal Health will donate $10,000 in the name of the winner to the pharmacy school or pharmacy association of his or her choice. Harmon selected his alma mater, Auburn University’s Harrison School of Pharmacy.

Additional finalists for the 2009 Ken Wurster Community Leadership Award included:

· Darlene Able – Able Care Pharmacy & Medical Supplies in Enfield, Conn.;
· Henry Ager – Medical Discount Pharmacy in Livingston, Texas;
· Steve Simenson – Goodrich Pharmacy in Anoka, Minn.; and
· Theresa Stickler – Melrose Pharmacy in Phoenix, Ariz.

Nominations for the 2010 Ken Wurster Community Leadership Award will be accepted between Aug. 1, 2009 and March 1, 2010. Learn more about the award on cardinalhealth.com.