March 18, 2004

BIGFORK VALLEY NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

NEW PHARMACY DIRECTOR AT BIGFORK VALLEY HOSPITAL

Keith Pearson has become the new Pharmacy Director for Bigfork Valley Hospital.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Pearson comes to Bigfork from Hibbing, where he owned and operated Pamida Pharmacy for 27 years. Pearson is also a past president of the Minnesota Pharmacist Association.

Pearson will bring a patient-centered philosophy to his position where he oversees both the retail and hospital pharmacy. As part of his practice in Hibbing, he received an award from DuPont Pharmaceuticals for innovative practices in pharmacy for developing a program which focused the pharmacist more closely on patient outcomes.

Instead of looking at a prescription drug as a commodity, he explained, it is important to view it as part of a treatment regimen. A new drug treatment, for instance, may affect an ongoing drug treatment. To make sure the patient is experiencing the desired outcome, a followup is scheduled by the pharmacist both with the patient and the doctor.

Pearson will also bring a new emphasis on technology. He plans to use telepharmacy to bring the services of a pharmacist to clinics of the Cook Area Health Services in Big Falls, Northome and Floodwood. “The use of new telecommunication technologies will make us more efficient,” Pearson explained, “as well as produce better outcomes for the patient.”

Pearson also plans to help the Bigfork Valley Pharmacy evolve into an adjunct teaching site for the University of Minnesota pharmacy students, a program that will bring the latest information to the local pharmacy as well as provide a clinical site for the student.

“We are very pleased to welcome such a dynamic person as Keith to this position,” said Bigfork Valley CEO Dan Odegaard. “We are looking forward to an exciting future for the Bigfork Valley Pharmacy under his direction.”