Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC): Empowering Independent Pharmacies Since 1983
Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) is a pharmacist-owned pharmacy group purchasing organization (GPO) and secondary pharmaceutical wholesaler. IPC helps independent pharmacies improve profitability, strengthen purchasing power, and deliver exceptional patient care. Founded in 1983, IPC supports more than 7,000 warehouse customers, 2,000+ cooperative members across the United States with wholesaler contracts, purchasing programs, advocacy, pharmacy services, and strategic business solutions. With more than 40 years of experience, IPC is dedicated to helping independent pharmacy owners stay competitive, grow their businesses, and protect their independence.
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Our Mission
We believe independent pharmacies are essential to the health of their communities. We focus on helping owners improve profits, strengthen operations, expand clinical services, advocate for meaningful legislative change, and deliver outstanding patient outcomes.
Through cooperative purchasing power, trusted partnerships, and pharmacist-led governance, IPC works every day to ensure independent pharmacy remains strong for future generations.
What Is a Pharmacy GPO?
A GPO helps members access competitive pricing, reduce purchasing costs, and improve profitability. By joining a group purchasing organization, independent pharmacy owners can benefit from:
- Lower drug pricing
- Increased purchasing power
- Cost savings
- Improved profitability
- Access to pharmacy services
- Vendor discounts and business solutions
IPC was created to help independent pharmacies capture these advantages while maintaining their independence.
Why Independent Pharmacies Choose IPC
Independent pharmacies face challenges every day. Reimbursement pressure, rising drug costs, staffing shortages, and industry consolidation all affect the bottom line.
IPC helps pharmacy owners address these challenges through:
- Access to competitive wholesaler contract options that help independent pharmacies maximize purchasing power and improve profitability.
- Access to a secondary wholesaler and distribution network.
- Legislative advocacy and government relations support.
- Clinical and pharmacy services resources.
- Marketing and business growth resources.
- Digital health solutions.
- Strategic vendor partnerships.
Our goal is simple: We help independent pharmacies succeed financially so they can continue delivering exceptional care in their communities.
Strengthening the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
Reliable access to medication is critical for every pharmacy owner. As a secondary pharmaceutical wholesaler, IPC helps members strengthen their role in pharmaceutical and drug supply chains.
Members gain access to:
- Brand-name prescription drugs.
- Generic medications.
- Specialty pharmacy products.
- Competitive purchasing opportunities.
- Real-time inventory visibility.
- Cost-saving purchasing options.
IPC works alongside your primary wholesaler to help you manage inventory, improve margins, and serve patients more effectively.
Built by Pharmacists, Owned by Members
IPC is member-owned, independent pharmacy owners help govern the cooperative and shape its future direction.
We design every program, partnership, and service with one goal. Helping independent pharmacies succeed. When members join IPC, they join an organization built by pharmacists. These pharmacists understand the challenges and opportunities in community pharmacy today.
Fostering Equity and Inclusion in IPC’s Core Values
At IPC, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of our organization. Together, our focus is to build a space where differences are valued and to foster an inclusive culture in which every person is encouraged to bring their gifts to the table to create an equitable work environment where all can thrive. These principles allow for deeper, enhanced connections as we work together to maximize the success of independent pharmacy while supporting and celebrating the diverse populations we serve across the nation.
Board of Directors
Read about how IPC member voices shape every decision.
Vicki Einhellig, RPh
Chair
Good Day Pharmacies
Loveland, CO
Michael Deninger, RPh
Towncrest Pharmacy
Iowa City, IA
Kari VanderHouwen, RPh
Pharm-A-Save
Granite Falls, WA
Scott Patterson, RPh
Treasurer
Patterson Healthmart
Clay Center, KS
John Coler, RPh
Shrivers Pharmacy
McConnelsville, OH
Beshoy Gerges, PharmD
St. Mary Pharmacy
Northridge, CA
Chris Darling, RPh
Darling’s Pharmacies
Warren, PA
David Vasenden, RPh
Sierra Family Pharmacy
Reno, NV
Loren Pierce, RPh
Moye’s Pharmacy
McDonough, GA
Shahida Choudhry, PharmD
The Palms Pharmacy
Tampa, FL
Kyle Beyer, PharmD
Shorewood, WI
