Celebrating Pharmacy Appreciation Week Across The United Family
Every day, pharmacy team members across The United Family do far more than fill prescriptions. They answer questions, provide reassurance, administer vaccines, offer guidance, and build meaningful relationships that help keep our communities healthy. During Pharmacy Appreciation Week, we are proud to recognize the pharmacists, technicians, and support staff who serve as trusted healthcare partners for our guests.
Whether helping a guest navigate a new diagnosis, ensuring medications are available when needed, or simply offering a friendly smile during a difficult day, our pharmacy teams make a lasting impact. Their dedication, compassion, and expertise help improve lives across every community we serve.
The stories shared by our pharmacy team members highlight exactly what makes this profession so rewarding and why their work matters so deeply.
Why We Love Pharmacy
Building Relationships That Last
For Brenda Leigh, a pharmacist at United Supermarkets in Pampa, Texas, the greatest reward is the lasting relationships she has built throughout her 12-year career.
“Some of my patients have been with me for more than 30 years and have followed me across three different pharmacies,” she shared. “I’ve gotten to know them and their families through every stage of life. We’ve celebrated births together and supported one another through difficult times. Those relationships are what make this profession so special.”
Caring for Guests Like Family
After 19 years with the company, Ryan Wells of United in Burkburnett says serving guests on a personal level is what he values most.
“United allows us the opportunity to truly build lasting relationships with our customers,” Wells said. “I love showing guests how much they mean to us by serving them as if they were our own family. They know they can depend on our team, and that’s exactly how it should be. Treat others the way you want to be treated.”
Making a Difference Every Day
At Market Street Pharmacy in Lubbock, Jessica Cochran enjoys becoming a trusted resource for the guests she serves.
“I love building relationships with our regular guests,” Cochran said. “Being there for their everyday refill needs, while also helping them navigate new health challenges, builds trust and respect. I love it when people know me as their pharmacist.'”
Supporting Health, One Patient at a Time
For Sajni Patel, pharmacy work is about the important role pharmacy teams play in improving lives.
“We keep people healthy, help keep them out of the hospital, and make sure they have access to someone knowledgeable about their medical conditions,” Patel said. “That’s incredibly meaningful work.”
Learning and Serving the Community
Joseph Romero-Kleve, a certified pharmacy technician at Albertsons Market in Santa Fe, says every day brings opportunities to learn while helping others.
“Getting to help people through difficult situations is what makes this job special,” he said. “Whether someone is having the best day or the worst day of their life, they deserve care, respect, and support. Helping our community stay healthy through medications, vaccinations, and education is something I’m proud to be part of.”
Making Someone’s Day Brighter
For Venla Kuvaja at Market Street Pharmacy in Coppell, both patients and coworkers make the job rewarding.
“Our team is positive, hardworking, and deeply caring,” Kuvaja said. “I genuinely look forward to coming to work because of the people I work with. I also love having the opportunity to make someone’s day a little brighter. People often come to the pharmacy when they’re not feeling their best, and a little patience and kindness can mean so much.”
Helping Patients Live Healthier Lives
For Debbi-Lyn Kingston of Albertsons Market in Albuquerque, a 28-year veteran of the company, the opportunity to care for patients has been the highlight of her career.
“I’ve had the opportunity to wear many hats throughout my career and meet pharmacy team members across 28 states,” Kingston said. “What I love most is helping my patients stay healthy and live long, prosperous lives.”
As we celebrate Pharmacy Appreciation Week, we thank every pharmacy team member across The United Family for the care, commitment, and compassion you bring to our guests each day. Your work strengthens our communities and exemplifies our mission of caring for our guests one person, one interaction, and one prescription at a time.
