Partnering with Drug Store News, CRN will participate in the media company’s new, professional networking website, Pharmacist Society.
An on-line community, the Pharmacist Society aims to provide a forum for pharmacists, healthcare professionals and those in pharmaceutical and dietary supplement companies to share information and network with colleagues.
Timely information
Judy Blatman, CRN’s senior vice president, communications, told NutraIngredientsUSA.com: “CRN is pleased to represent the dietary supplement industry in Pharmacist Society because we feel it is important that the pharmacist community have access to useful and timely information and resources about dietary supplements and the dietary supplement industry.”
Steve Mister, CRN president and CEO, added: “In an era of social networking, this on-line community provides CRN with the versatility needed to effectively reach pharmacists with useful and timely information on supplement regulation as well as the beneficial role dietary supplements play in wellness.”
Pharmacists are an important influencer group for the dietary supplement industry, said Blatman. “We know from our ‘Life…supplemented’ survey on pharmacists that they both personally take and recommend supplement products to their customers. Participating in Pharmacist Society provides our industry with several opportunities.
“First, it allows us to help ensure that pharmacists have an easy-to-access resource for information on dietary supplements.
“Second it gives CRN the opportunity to dialogue with this group of influencers about a number of topics, including supplement regulation, the benefits and safety of supplements and supplement/drug interaction and nutrient depletion.”
Taking part also further positions CRN has an active leader, communicating science to an important group of stakeholders, said Blatman. “There is already a considerable presence and interest from the pharmaceutical and over-the-counter industries, and we hope that manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers in the supplement industry will consider joining and becoming part of the conversation.”
Strong community
The site went live last November. Joining at a relatively early stage will allow CRN to build a strong community within the site and establishing a voice as the site grows, said Blatman.
Wayne Bennett, publisher, Drug Store News Group (www.drugstorenews.com) said: “This new project gives CRN—and dietary supplement industry companies—the opportunity to disseminate information to a healthcare professional community that is eager to learn more about supplements. CRN will be able to reach out to thousands of pharmacists around the country within a closed loop environment.”
The network includes retail pharmacists at large national drug store chains, pharmacy faculty and students at pharmacy schools and universities.