Southern NH Health First in Nation to be Recognized for Age-Friendly Pharmacy Care

By Keith Baldi, Enterprise Communications Manager

Designation Covers Hospital, Oncology and Retail Pharmacy Services

Southern New Hampshire Health has become the first health system in the U.S. to earn national recognition as an Age-Friendly Pharmacy for the team's care of patients in the hospital and at the retail pharmacy, from the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP).

New Hampshire is the second-oldest state in the nation, with more than 1 in 4 Granite Staters aged 60 or older.

This first of its kind Age-Friendly Pharmacy recognition distinguishes Southern NH Health, a nonprofit health system, as a national leader in pharmacy care for older adults and reinforces the system’s commitment to access.

“This is an extraordinary achievement for our entire organization,” said Christine Ruh, Director of Pharmacy Business & Strategy at Southern NH Health. “Being the first health system in the nation to be recognized for age-friendly care across inpatient and retail pharmacy services, speaks to the dedication and expertise of not only our pharmacy team but the entire organization.”

Being an Age-Friendly Pharmacy focuses on five essential areas:

• What Matters: Understanding each patient's goals, values, and preferences
• Medication: Ensuring safe, appropriate, and effective medication management
• Mobility: Recognizing physical limitations affecting safety and independence
• Mentation: Addressing cognitive concerns that impact care
• Social Vulnerability: Identifying barriers to medication access and healthcare

John Berard, Director of Ambulatory Pharmacy Services at Southern New Hampshire Health, says this designation, “Reflects our commitment to making exceptional, individualized care accessible to patients across the region. The achievement reinforces a fundamental commitment, that residents of Southern New Hampshire deserve access to the very best healthcare, right here in our community."

The national Age-Friendly designation aligns closely with Southern NH Health’s Walk With Me initiative, which is centered on understanding each patient’s preferences, values, and what matters most to them while providing compassionate, person-centered care.

Together, the Age-Friendly recognition and Walk With Me program, reinforce Southern NH Health’s commitment to partnering with patients and families throughout their healthcare journey.

You do not need to be a Southern NH Health patient to have prescriptions filled at the Southern NH Health retail pharmacy, which is open to everyone Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m.- Noon. Most major insurance plans are accepted.

Individuals can also visit this link or call 603-598-MEDS to discuss transferring their prescriptions.