New York City, N.Y. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation celebrated its 17th Annual Foundation Dinner last evening in New York City, New York.  The dinner raised $1.9 million, which will continue to fuel the Foundation’s patient-centered care research agenda.  Hy-Vee Inc. was the premier sponsor of last evening’s event.  More than 87 companies from a diverse range of industries sponsored the event.

Without the generous support of its benefactors, the NACDS Foundation could not continue our mission of engaging in research and education to benefit patients, improve outcomes and help advance public health.

The evening’s program emphasized the research portfolio of the NACDS Foundation, including: strategies to prevent hospital readmissions by improving patients’ understanding of their medications; use of medication management in emerging healthcare models, such as accountable care organizations and medical homes, to improve patient outcomes; and efforts to improve the detection and treatment of flu and strep.

Megyn Kelly, the high-profile media personality and anchor of Fox News Channel’s “The Kelly File,” shared her views on national and world events, and compelling experiences as a journalist in her keynote address with attendees.

The NACDS Foundation Dinner program also included recognition of outstanding contributions in advancing public health by Ali S. Khan, M.D., M.P.H., retired Assistant Surgeon General and current Dean of the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).  Dr. Khan received the 2015 NACDS Foundation Excellence in Patient Care Award for his commitment to health security, global health, community health and emerging infectious diseases.

During Dr. Kahn’s 23-year career as a senior director at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), he led and responded to numerous high profile domestic and international public health emergencies, including Ebola hemorrhagic fever, avian influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). He was also one of the main architects of the CDC’s public health bioterrorism preparedness program.

“We are pleased to recognize Dr. Khan’s distinguished career in advancing public health as the recipient of the NACDS Foundation Excellence in Patient Care Award,” said NACDS Foundation President Kathleen Jaeger.  “Known as one of the main architects of the CDC’s public health bioterrorism preparedness program, his commitment to patient care is extraordinary. We are grateful for his continued service in educating future leaders in public health.”

Concluding the dinner last evening, Jaeger said, “Without the generous support of its benefactors, the NACDS Foundation could not continue our mission of engaging in research and education to benefit patients, improve outcomes and help advance public health. We are deeply grateful for your continued commitment to and engagement with the work of the NACDS Foundation.”