PLANO, Texas (June 23, 2022) – Avita, the leading HIV-focused pharmacy services organization in the nation, today announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors, effective July 1:
• Jerome Adams, MD, MPH, FASA, Presidential Fellow, Executive Director of Health Equity Initiatives, and Distinguished Professor of Practice in the departments of Pharmacy Practice and Public Health at Purdue University, and former U.S. Surgeon General from 2017 to 2021.
• Jerry Purcell, Avita founder and most recently Executive Vice President of Client Relations at Avita.
“We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Adams and Jerry to the Avita Board,” said Michael Yount, chief executive officer of Avita. “Each of them brings significant health care expertise aligned with Avita’s commitment to providing compassionate health care to the vastly underserved HIV, PrEP, STI, and LGBTQ+ populations. Their industry, operational, and financial expertise will help Avita further our delivery of health care solutions to those communities disproportionately affected by complex health conditions, including HIV.”
We're pleased to welcome Dr. Adams and Jerry to the Avita Board. Each of them brings significant health care expertise aligned with Avita's commitment to providing compassionate health care to the vastly underserved HIV, PrEP, STI, and LGBTQ+ populations.
Dr. Jerome Adams is a licensed anesthesiologist who served as a Vice Admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and as the 20th U.S. Surgeon General from 2017 to 2021. Previously, he was the State Health Commissioner for Indiana, where he convinced the Governor and State Legislature to legalize syringe service programs in the state to address an HIV outbreak. Dr. Adams is passionate about improving health equity and communications for underserved communities.
Jerry Purcell founded Avita in 2003 to provide the LGBTQ+ community access to HIV medication with care, respect, and dignity. His understanding of the needs of the communities disproportionately affected by complex health conditions and his expertise in the 340B program has helped Avita build relationships and demonstrate added value to covered entities and provider practices across the nation. In addition to founding Avita, Jerry co-founded VitaRx Specialty Pharmacy in 1997, which was sold to McKesson in 2002.
“Avita’s growth over the past few years, both as a leader in providing individually focused health care and a proven expert in 340B administration, has been nothing less than astounding,” said Chris Michalik, Avita Board Chairman and Managing Director, Kinderhook. “We are excited that these two industry leaders and public health experts not only add depth to the Board roster, but they are committed to providing compassionate health care and share in Avita’s values.”
Dr. Adams and Mr. Purcell will join current Board of Directors members: Chris Michalik, Board Chairman, and Managing Director, Kinderhook; Matt Bubis, Principal at Kinderhook; Sherri Turpin, Chief Executive Officer of ZVRS and Purple Communications; Peter Urbanowicz, Co-Head of Alvarez & Marshal’s Healthcare Industry Group and former Chief of Staff to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary; and Michael Yount, Chief Executive Officer of Avita.
For more information about the board members, click here.
About Avita
Avita is a national pharmacy services organization that unlocks the full potential of health for covered entity partners and individuals with unique health needs. As a full-service pharmacy, Avita has proven experience in 340B program administration and onsite pharmacy management. The Avita team has deep expertise in understanding and addressing the needs of communities disproportionately affected by complex health conditions, as well as HIV, PrEP, STI, and LGBTQ+ care. Avita provides care for more than 145,000 patients through over 320 covered entity relationships at more than 60 pharmacies nationwide. Avita is the largest independent nationwide provider of pharmacy services and solutions for Ryan White/STD Grantees, AIDS Service Organizations, and Community Health Centers (CHCs). For more information, visit avitapharmacy.com.
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Rachel Bowen
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