Belew: nation’s BEST ‘Neighbor?’

One of only three in national contention, local pharmacy finds out results Friday

Dr. David Belew and Dr. Amy Belew, owners of Belew Drug Family of Pharmacies, currently are in Orlando, Florida, waiting to find out if their Knox County-based business has won the Good Neighbor Pharmacy of the Year Award. The business is one of three national finalists for that honor. The winner will be named Friday, July 20, at Good Neighbor Pharmacy’s 2018 ThoughtSpot conference and tradeshow.
The Belew Drug Family of Pharmacies, with its newest of four locations, 1616 Choto Markets Way in Concord, is a finalist for 2018 Good Neighbor Pharmacy of the Year award, presented by Good Neighbor Pharmacy, a national independent pharmacy network and a part of Amerisource Bergen.

The annual award, which will be presented Friday, July 20, at Good Neighbor Pharmacy’s 2018 ThoughtSpot conference and tradeshow in Orlando, Florida, recognizes a pharmacy that epitomizes what it means to be a Good Neighbor Pharmacy.

“Our finalists not only provide exceptional care, but they are continually evolving to meet the unique and growing needs of their patients,” stated registered pharmacist and Ph.D. Brian Nightengale, president of Good Neighbor Pharmacy and senior vice president of Community & Specialty Pharmacy, in a press release.

“While independent community pharmacies face challenges in today’s market, they can enhance their business to better position themselves to withstand industry pressures, maximize pharmacy performance and, most importantly, improve patient care. Our finalists serve as shining examples of the countless independent pharmacies nationwide that continue to seize opportunities and further solidify their position as a preferred healthcare and retail destination.”

Belew Drug has been a staple in Knox County for more than 50 years. Owned by David Belew, the pharmacy offers a suite of services, ranging from immunization programs and medication therapy management to diabetic training and opioid education. The pharmacy is developing a program that aims to educate middle and high school students on prescription drug misuse.

The pharmacy emerged from a field of nearly 60 nominees as one of the three finalists, which also include Shatto’s Frontier Drug of Douglas, Wyoming, and North Village Pharmacy of Yanceyville, North Carolina.

Voting for the Good Neighbor Pharmacy of the Year award ran through July 15.

“We are honored to be recognized as a finalist for the 2018 Good Neighbor Pharmacy of the Year award,” Belew said. “At Belew Drugs, our main priority is to provide any patient who walks through our door with the personalized care they need and deserve – no matter what.”