Who Owns Health Mart?

Health Mart's sustainability practices are governed by McKesson Corporation's corporate environmental framework. McKesson has set portfolio-wide targets that apply to its operations, including distribution centers that supply Health Mart pharmacies.

McKesson has committed to science-based emissions reduction targets aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In fiscal 2025, McKesson achieved its goal of having 70% of suppliers set SBTi-approved greenhouse gas reduction targets. The company has invested in Virtual Power Purchase Agreements, including becoming a virtual customer of Recurrent Energy's 100-MWac Liberty Solar plant, which reduces annual carbon emissions by approximately 182,000 metric tons.

McKesson has implemented reusable cold chain packaging systems for transporting temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products. The reusable system includes an outer shell, inner lining, and phase change material designed to maintain 2-8 degrees Celsius for 24 hours, reducing waste compared to single-use packaging.

No brand-specific sustainability certifications apply to Health Mart, as the franchise network consists of independently owned pharmacies that manage their own facility operations. McKesson's corporate sustainability targets apply to its distribution centers and corporate operations, not directly to individual Health Mart pharmacy locations.

On ethics, Health Mart pharmacies operate under McKesson's corporate compliance framework, which includes fair business practices, patient privacy protection under HIPAA, and regulatory compliance with DEA requirements for controlled substances. Individual pharmacy owners are responsible for maintaining compliance with state board of pharmacy regulations.

J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Pharmacy Study: Health Mart ranked highest among brick-and-mortar chain drug store pharmacies in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Pharmacy Study. This study measures customer satisfaction across multiple factors including pharmacists, store experience, cost, and merchandise. Health Mart's ranking reflected the personalized service and community focus of its independent pharmacy model.

Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year: Health Mart presents an annual Pharmacy of the Year award at its ideaShare conference. In 2025, Dave's Pharmacy in Alliance, Nebraska, received the award for innovative clinical services, including comprehensive medication therapy management and community health programs. The award recognizes franchise members who demonstrate excellence in independent pharmacy practice.

NCPA Recognition: Health Mart franchise members have received recognition from the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) for leadership in community pharmacy practice. These awards highlight the network's commitment to community health and professional excellence.

McKesson Opioid Settlement (2022): McKesson Corporation, Health Mart's parent company, agreed to a $5.9 billion settlement in 2022 to resolve opioid-related claims brought by states, local governments, and Native American tribes. The settlement addressed allegations that McKesson failed to adequately monitor and report suspicious orders of prescription opioids distributed through its network. The settlement is being paid over 18 years. While Health Mart pharmacies were not the primary focus of the opioid distribution allegations (which centered on McKesson's wholesale distribution to pharmacies, not its franchise network), the settlement affects the parent company that owns and operates the Health Mart brand. McKesson has since implemented enhanced monitoring and compliance systems for controlled substance distribution.

PBM Reimbursement Pressures: Independent pharmacies, including Health Mart members, have faced declining reimbursement rates from pharmacy benefit managers. The Federal Trade Commission has investigated PBM practices, and multiple states have passed legislation to regulate PBM reimbursement. Health Mart pharmacies have been affected by these pressures, with some members closing due to unsustainable margins. Health Mart provides group contracting support to help members negotiate better reimbursement terms, but the structural challenge of PBM control over prescription drug pricing remains ongoing.

Independent Pharmacy Closures: The independent pharmacy segment has experienced a net decline in recent years. According to the National Community Pharmacists Association, independent pharmacies closed at a rate of approximately 2-3 per week in 2024. Health Mart has not been immune to this trend, though its franchise support services help members remain competitive. Rural communities have been disproportionately affected by pharmacy closures, creating pharmacy deserts where residents must travel significant distances for prescription medications.