Optum brings heart to pharmacy care with personalized support

Optum Specialty Pharmacy recently turned compassion into action, supporting breast cancer patients with personalized cards that delivered hope, encouragement and a deeply personal touch. Alongside their medication, patients received heartfelt messages signed by pharmacists, technicians, inventory specialists and others - each one honoring the person's journey of courage, strength and resilience. This simple gesture reminded patients that behind every prescription is a team that cares.

"Simple gestures go a long way. Having experienced a loved one battling breast cancer, I know how much this matters. The support we show our patients makes them feel more seen and appreciated." 

Tyrohnn Brisbane | pharmacy technician

An entire team supports patients from the moment their prescription is filled to well beyond the moment it's delivered. One of those is the fulfillment specialists, often the unsung heroes, quietly working in the background to ensure that when people fill a prescription, they get exactly what they need. This team picks, verifies and packages medications with educational information to help people navigate their treatment journey - working with the pharmacists to get it out the door in time for carrier pick up and into the hands of our patients by the promised date.

"The most powerful part of my specialty pharmacy experience isn't the medication. It's the people who check in, explain what I'm taking and make sure I'm okay - not just physically, but emotionally too. I know I can reach out anytime, and they'll be there with patience, care and understanding. They remind me I'm more than my diagnosis, and that reminder brings comfort and confidence I didn't know I needed. "

Tina Valbh | patient

While there is a human touch on every Optum medication packed, receiving these medications in the mail for what can be complex, difficult treatment journeys can feel overwhelming.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to show our breast cancer patients they are not alone, our fulfillment team included these messages in shipments throughout the month of October - just one example of how we go above and beyond to support our patients.