Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CPESN® USA, a clinically integrated, nationwide organization of pharmacy networks advancing community-based pharmacy practice, today announced that Sanjay Patel, RPh, has been named the recipient of the 2026 CPESN Luminary of the Year Award, sponsored by Prasco.
Patel was recognized today during the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Annual Convention in Kansas City. He serves as Director of Pharmacy at Haller's Pharmacy & Medical Supply in Fremont, California, where he has championed innovative pharmacy services, public health initiatives, and patient-centered care programs.
A pharmacist since 1997, Patel has helped advance community pharmacy practice through immunization services, medication optimization programs, point-of-care testing, pharmacogenomics, tobacco cessation services, and sustainable reimbursement models. His work has expanded access to vaccines and health screenings throughout California while helping pharmacies secure payment for essential clinical services.
As a network facilitator for CPESN California and contributor to several CPESN USA advisory groups and committees, Patel has mentored pharmacy owners, strengthened network performance, and supported the implementation of innovative care models. His leadership has helped demonstrate the value of community pharmacy services for patients, payers, and healthcare partners nationwide.
Selected from nominations submitted by CPESN leaders across the country, Patel was recognized for recruiting and supporting network pharmacies, fostering innovation among peers, and advancing the role of community pharmacy in improving health outcomes.
"As sponsor of the CPESN Luminary of the Year Award, Prasco is proud to recognize Sanjay Patel for his extraordinary leadership and commitment to advancing community pharmacy practice," said Kelly Donovan, Executive Director, Trade and Marketing Services at Prasco. "His dedication to expanding patient access to care and supporting fellow pharmacy leaders reflects the innovation and collaboration that strengthen independent pharmacy and improve patient outcomes."
Earlier this year, Patel received the California Immunization Coalition's Public Health Leadership and Partnership Award. He also previously served as president of the Alameda County Chapter of the California Pharmacists Association and remains active in professional pharmacy leadership.
"Our luminaries dedicate their time, expertise, and passion to transforming healthcare through community pharmacy," said Joe Moose, PharmD, director of strategy and luminary programs for CPESN USA. "Sanjay exemplifies what it means to be a CPESN leader. He has inspired pharmacists across California and the nation through his willingness to share knowledge, mentor others, and advance sustainable patient-care services. We are honored to recognize him as the 2026 CPESN Luminary of the Year."
Colleagues throughout the CPESN network describe Patel as a trusted mentor, collaborator, and advocate whose commitment to innovation and service has made a lasting impact on community pharmacy and the patients it serves.
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About CPESN USA
CPESN USA is a clinically integrated, nationwide organization of pharmacy networks structured to advance community-based pharmacy practice. Launched in 2016 through the efforts of the National Community Pharmacists Association and Community Care of North Carolina, CPESN networks continue to expand across the country, helping pharmacies deliver enhanced medication-use and patient-care services that improve health outcomes and lower healthcare costs. To learn more, visit www.cpesn.com.
Gayle McCracken CPESN USA 919-208-9176 gmccracken@cpesn.com
