DURHAM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Parata Systems and Pharmacy Times, founding sponsors of the Next-Generation Pharmacist awards the industrys leading national awards program are pleased to announce today the official opening of nominations for the 2013 program. Outstanding pharmacy professionals, students and technicians may be nominated at http://www.nextgenerationpharmacist.com now through April 15, 2013. The Next-Generation Pharmacist awards program, now in its fourth year, will be held at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2013, concurrent with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Total Store Expo. The gala dinner event will honor pharmacists, industry leaders, technicians and student pharmacists who embrace and embody the future vision of pharmacy in the following categories: New this year is the Specialty Pharmacist category, aimed at honoring a pharmacist who excels in providing specialty pharmacy services in a variety of settings, including health systems, community pharmacy, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, continuing care retirement centers and long-term care facilities. In addition, the Lifetime Achievement Award criteria have been modified for the 2013 program to be more inclusive of industry advocates, executives and others whose leadership and vision have had a meaningful impact on the industry. … Continue reading →

January14,2013 High school students in the Math and Science Upward Bound program at West Virginia State University were recently exposed to the brand new Marshall University School of Pharmacy. West Virginia State University Upward Bound Director Barbara Cary is trying to break a cycle. You see, a new agreement with the Marshall University School of Pharmacy, serves as another option for the high school kids they serve to see whats possible with a college degree. Cary said its about taking kids without many options and moving them into the group with many options. We use a holistic approach with the emphasis on education especially being the vehicle that would change the plight of students who do not have the benefit of parents who have college educations, Cary said. West Virginia States Math and Science Upward Bound program is part of a new agreement with the MU School of Pharmacy. The Upward Bound program works with high school students to expose them to different college opportunities, while tracking and helping them progress through high school. Krystal Tolliver is the director for the Math and Science program with Upward Bound at West Virginia State. She said its about giving the students a … Continue reading →

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Centene Corporation (CNC) today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Specialty Therapeutic Care Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a AcariaHealth), one of the nation's largest, independent, comprehensive specialty pharmacy companies, from Enhanced Equity Funds and affiliates for $152 million. The transaction consideration is anticipated to be financed through a combination of Centene common stock, cash on hand and existing credit facilities. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2013, subject to regulatory approval and other customary conditions. The Company expects the acquisition to be neutral to earnings per share in the first 12 months following the acquisition, excluding one-time transaction costs. This acquisition is consistent with Centene's strategic plan of capitalizing on new opportunities for growth that complement its current core areas of strength. With this transaction, US Script, Centene's pharmacy benefit manager, will now have a sister company that will expand its specialized pharmacy benefit services for complex diseases, including Hepatitis C, Hemophilia, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Oncology. "AcariaHealth's leading specialty pharmacy platform will be able to maintain the autonomy needed to serve all its current and future clients and will enhance US Script's ability to serve … Continue reading →