Corporate America teaches the government a thing or two

Drug Store News,  Oct 10, 2005  by Tony Lisanti

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Whether it's the poignant memories of the smoke billowing from the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, or the many suicide bombs leaving mangled corpses and cars in the streets of Baghdad or, most recently, the devastation throughout the Gulf Coast and the flooding waters in New Orleans that sent people to their roots in desperate pleas for help folwing the wrath of Hurricane Katrina, oftentimes it takes such tragedy and heartbreak to test the resolve of America's people and corporations.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the headlines are testimony of how the retail industry responded to a national emergency. Consider these examples:

* "Retail pharmacy's finest hour." From the Sept. 26 issue of Drug Store News: "Katrina triggered a massive and coordinated campaign among chain and independent pharmacy operators and competing compdnies and among various elements of the supply chain. It also triggered a rash of on-the-spot decision making and vomnteerism by suddenly empowered individual employees who worked within their communities to get not only medicines, but also gas, oxygen and other needed supplies to areas with acute needs."

* "From FEMA to WEMA." From the Sept. 30 edition of the New York Times and columnist John Tierney: "... and there's even been some talk of letting Wal-Mart take over FEMA's job. The company already has its own emergency operations center, where dozens of people began preparing for the hurricane the week before it hit by moving supplies andtrucks into position."

"David Vitter, the Republican-senator from Louisiana, was so impressed with the rapid response of Wal-Mart and other companies that he promised to introduce a bill to abolish FEMA and contract its job out to the private sector." The cohmmist concluded: "I'm afraid the Wal-Mart Emergency Management Agency will be a tough sell on Capitol Hill. But I'dvote for WEMA."

* Government broke down. Business stepped up. How WalMart, Fed-Ex and Home Depot got the job done after Katrina." From the Oct. 3 1ssue of Fortune: The only hfelme was the WalMart. The world's biggest company flexed its massive distribution muscle to deliver vital supplies to victims of Katrina. Inside an operation that could teach FEMA a thing or two."

Dozens of retailers have already donated money and merchandise to the Hurricane relief efforts, and many other fund-raising programs are still being conducted. Here are just a few examples:

* Albertsons. The supermarket/pharmacy operator is donating $9 million in food and general merchandise and up to $1 million in matching donations from customers and associates.

* CVS. In addition to its efforts setting up mobile pharmacies at several locations, including the Houston Astrodome and Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, the company has donated more than $1 million in supplies and money to through the American Red Cross and other local relief organizations.

* H-E-B. This regional grocery chain worked with CVS to establish pharmacy services at the Kelly Air Force Base and also helped negotiate emergency rules from governn]ent agendes in surrounding states.

* Wal-Mart. As Drletly clescrlDeCl in the atorementioned headlines, the world's largest retailer acted quickly and decisively to deliver supplies and set up mobile pharmacies. The retailer also has donated $17 million to various relief efforts, as well as merchandise and supplies.

Certainly, the contributions otretail pharmacy to the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts have been well documented and deservedly so. Companies and private citizens have donated more than $1.5 billion and counting to the relief efforts, according to the Center on Philanthropy. Also, congratulations to every individual who rallied together to deliver medicine, water and other supplies to the innocent victims. It is yet another testimony to the dedication of people to their careers in retail pharmacy and also to the value of community pharmacy.

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