PROVIDENCE – The National Association of Community Health Centers recognized Christopher Durigan, director of clinical pharmacy at Thundermist Health Center, as an emerging leader on March 30 in Washington, D.C.
Under Durigan’s leadership since joining Thundermist two years ago, the health center has improved patient care and worked to respond to the state’s part in the national opioid overdose epidemic, said Amanda Barney, associate vice president, communications and development, at Thundermist.
“During that short time, his work has had a profound impact on patients and staff,” Barney said. “He led a pharmacy technician project that allows providers to increase their focus on direct patient care while empowering pharmacy technicians to manage provider refill requests under established protocols he jointly developed with our chief medical officer. He also trains the next generation of pharmacy students to work in health centers.”
Durigan has emerged as a policy leader and advocate for health center patients, she said. The Rhode Island Health Center Association recognized him last year as a Rhode Island Health Center Hero.
“It is an honor to work for an organization that is constantly advocating for their patients and removing barriers to health care,” said Durigan. “I am thankful to Thundermist for taking a chance at adding clinical pharmacy to their wide variety of services. I am honored to be recognized with this award.”
Rob Borkowski is a PBN contributing writer.
