And the winner is? Len Marks Pharmacy Advancement Award

How do you single out one pharmacist for outstanding service to the community and the profession, when tens of thousands of pharmacists across the country have been working so hard–to the point of burnout–over the last one-and-a-half years? The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada was faced with this question when it was deciding on the recipient of this year’s Len Marks Pharmacy Advancement Award, which was created in memory of Leonard Marks, who was board chair of the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores from 1997 to 2000. The association’s answer: give the annual award to the entire pharmacy sector. “Pharmacies and pharmacy teams have offered accessible, critical support to Canadians and their communities amidst the unique and complex challenges of COVID-19,” the association said in a press release. “Pharmacy is serving on the frontlines of public health and primary care, delivering testing and immunization services that are critical during the pandemic.” Thanks to pharmacy’s leadership, Canadians have enjoyed continuity of care and security of their medication supply, said the release. The entire pharmacy sector “stepped up and delivered” during one of the toughest times in recent history. “Throughout the difficulties posed by COVID-19, pharmacy's doors have remained open … pharmacy students stepped up to support immunizations, enabling them to participate in a historical immunization campaign. Pharmacies supported their communities as healthcare hubs, assisting Canadians in navigating the healthcare system, along with the plethora of information and misinformation.” The association did call out an individual for its Distinguished Associate of the Year Award. Denis Langlois, vice president of corporate sales at Toronto-based Auro Pharma Inc.–part of pharmaceutical manufacturer Aurobindo Pharma Limited in Hyberabad, India–was cited for being a “passionate advocate for pharmacy and a collegial professional with exceptional expertise.” Langlois, who has been part of conference planning committees at the association, is well known for using his business and marketing expertise to make valuable connections that help the sector progress, said the association in its press release. “With an approachable style, Denis encourages individuals to think beyond and consider a broad range of possibilities,” the release stated. The awards were presented on October 6 at Neighbourhood Pharmacies' Virtual Pharmacy EXPO. Read: Canada's changing pharmacy landscape

And the winner is? Len Marks Pharmacy Advancement Award

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