AHN Unveils New Central Fill Pharmacy and Distribution Center in Zelienople

Ribbon Cutting Event Today Celebrates Opening of New $10 Million Hub for AHN's Pharmacy Operations

Zelienople, Pa. - Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Pharmacy today announced the opening of its new, state-of-the-art central fill and distribution center. Situated in Jackson's Pointe Commerce Park in Zelienople, this 20,000-square-foot facility represents a $10 million investment and will serve as the central hub for AHN's comprehensive pharmacy operations.

To officially mark the opening of this first-of-its-kind facility for the region, pharmacy leaders and network officials will gather this afternoon for a ribbon cutting event.

Staffed by approximately 40 pharmacy professionals, the facility is equipped with the latest technologies for more automated and streamlined prescription fulfillment across the network's footprint. It is designed to significantly improve the timeliness, efficiency and safety of medication dispensing.

This operational enhancement will free hospital-based pharmacy teams to collaborate more closely with onsite caregiving teams, ultimately improving patient care, says Laura Mark, MS, PharmD, FASHP, vice president, AHN Pharmacy.

"This facility is a true game-changer for how we deliver pharmacy services across our network," said Mark. "By centralizing and automating prescription fulfillment, we're not just improving efficiency; we're strategically repositioning our hospital pharmacists to fully leverage their clinical expertise directly at the patient's bedside, enhancing collaborative care and, most importantly, patient outcomes."

The facility's advanced automation is highlighted by the integration of robotics such as the Parata Max™ 2 High-Speed, Vial Filling Robot. The technology offers speed while supporting medication accuracy and safety with automated labeling, counting, dispensing, capping and sorting.

While automation significantly enhances overall throughput, dedicated pharmacists and technicians will maintain continuous oversight to ensure stringent patient safety protocols and uncompromised quality control. Furthermore, specialized medications, including allergens like penicillin, will be managed through dedicated, precise protocols to effectively eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.

Further augmenting both efficiency and patient safety, the facility integrates Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging technology. This advanced system facilitates real-time data acquisition and delivery, helping to ensure medication integrity, upholding regulatory compliance, and optimizing comprehensive supply chain management through precise, continuous inventory tracking and record-keeping.

Adding to its innovative design, the facility also features a Modula Vertical Lift system - a fully automated vertical storage system that takes up a minimum footprint by utilizing the ceiling height available. The system allows for a large inventory of medications to be quickly accessible while being stored in a safe and secure environment. With the touch of a button, a given medication is automatically delivered to the system operator.

Expanded walk-in freezer and refrigerator space also allows for proper storage of temperature-sensitive medications on-site.

"Ultimately, this space represents a significant evolution in how we optimize our operations to deliver comprehensive, high-quality pharmaceutical services throughout the entire network," said Mark.

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