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Health Mart® Names 2026 Pharmacy of the Year Winner and Finalists

Three independent pharmacies recognized for excellence in patient care, business innovation and community impact at McKesson ideaShare 2026.

Read Time

4 minutes

Two people on stage hold a glass award; backdrop reads '2026 Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year'; both wear blue jerseys.

Key points

  • Health Mart named Mace’s Pharmacy as the 2026 Pharmacy of the Year at McKesson ideaShare 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
  • The 2026 finalists are Latham's Pharmacy in Arab, Alabama; Butterfield's Pharmacy in Port St. Lucie, Florida; and Mace's Pharmacy in Barbour County, West Virginia.
  • The award winner is selected through a live vote by fellow pharmacy owners and professionals attending McKesson ideaShare.
  • Each finalist demonstrates how independent community pharmacies can expand access to care through clinical services, local partnerships, advocacy and personalized patient support.
  • Health Mart is a network of more than 4,500 independently owned and operated community pharmacies supported by McKesson.

Each year, the Health Mart® Pharmacy of the Year award celebrates independent pharmacies that go above and beyond in delivering exceptional patient care, demonstrating strong business leadership and making a lasting impact in the communities they serve. The winner is chosen by a live vote of fellow pharmacy owners and professionals at , the premier annual event for independent community pharmacy.

At McKesson ideaShare 2026 in Denver, Colorado, attendees selected Mace’s Pharmacy as the 2026 Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year from a field of three outstanding finalists:

  • Butterfield's Pharmacy in Port St. Lucie, Florida
  • Latham's Pharmacy in Arab, Alabama
  • Mace's Pharmacy in Barbour County, West Virginia

Mace’s Pharmacy — 2026 Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year

  • Barbour County, West Virginia
  • Owners: Rich Mace, RPh and Kathy Mace | Owners since 2002

For nearly 25 years, Mace's Pharmacy has been dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of Barbour County, West Virgina, serving patients and families across the community. Grounded in faith, family and a commitment to caring for others, Mace's Pharmacy has grown alongside the families it serves by providing personalized care, expanding clinical services and remaining deeply invested in the well-being of its community.

The pharmacy actively supports the Barbour County community through partnerships and involvement with the chamber of commerce, local schools and the middle school band. Mace's also implements in-house 340B administration to support claims processing, administrative oversight and reporting for a local Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) — helping to expand access to affordable medications. The team supports state and federal legislation related to patient access to care, particularly for rural and independent pharmacy communities.

Here's a closer look at this year's finalists and the work that earned them peer recognition on a national stage.

Butterfield's Pharmacy — Finalist

  • Port St. Lucie, Florida
  • Owner: Amir Rahemi, PharmD | Owner since 2022

For decades, Butterfield's Pharmacy has been a trusted health and wellness hub in Port St. Lucie, Florida, delivering patient-centered care while continually expanding the role of pharmacy in the community. Known for innovative clinical services and strong community partnerships, Butterfield's blends personalized care with modern pharmacy practices to help improve outcomes and access for patients of all ages.

The pharmacy demonstrates a strong commitment to community health and wellness through expanded clinical services, including metabolic health coaching and personalized consultations for vitamin and supplement regimens. Butterfield's also serves as a trusted partner to hospice providers, supporting 24/7 on-call patient care and support services, making sure patients are never without help, even after hours.

The team utilizes digital marketing strategies and social media platforms to educate patients on health and wellness topics, showcase products and support e-commerce ordering for expanded access.

"What truly sets us apart is what happens after the lights go out. When other pharmacies close, our team is still here and on call for our community, especially for hospice patients and group homes,” said Rahemi, PharmD. “Whether it's late at night or the early hours of the morning, we don't turn off — we make sure we are there when our patients need us the most."

Latham's Pharmacy — Finalist

  • Arab, Alabama
  • Owners: Ronald Jason Smith, PharmD; Leanne Phillips, PharmD, BCPS; Linda Adams, PharmD, MBA, JD | Owners since 2023

Latham's Pharmacy serves as a trusted healthcare destination in Arab, Alabama, with a focus on patient-centered care while advancing the role of community pharmacy. Through strong clinical programs, thoughtful business operations and active advocacy, the Latham's Pharmacy team supports access, outcomes and sustainability for the patients and communities they serve.

The pharmacy extends care beyond the counter by offering immunizations, diabetes education, blood pressure monitoring and coordinated care efforts that address both the social and clinical needs of the community. The team actively engages with local government officials, state legislators and the Alabama Pharmacy Association to advocate for policy efforts affecting independent pharmacy at the state and federal levels.

Latham's also serves as a community hub — integrating a restaurant and grill and an on-site insurance agency that create a welcoming space where people come together.

"Our mission is to deliver compassionate, evidence-based healthcare grounded in integrity and quality,” . “We want to help every patient feel supported by our knowledgeable and compassionate team in a welcoming environment dedicated to their overall health needs."

Pharmacy of the Year winners posing on stage with McKesson executives, including CEO Brian Tyler.

About the Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year Award

The Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year is an annual recognition presented at McKesson ideaShare. The winner is selected through a live, onsite vote by fellow pharmacy professionals — making it truly a peer-driven recognition. Past winners include Dave's Pharmacy of Alliance, Nebraska (2025); Dreier Pharmacy of Shawano, Wisconsin (2024); and Eden Drug of Eden, North Carolina (2023

is a network of more than 4.500 independently owned and operated community pharmacies supported by McKesson, ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among chain drug store pharmacies in the .

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