Elora resident Julia Jennings is the first ever Outstanding Pharmacy Technician Award winner presented by the Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA).
“I was very excited, honoured,” Jennings said of the award. “It’s the first time … anybody’s received [the award] so it was truly an honour.”
Elora Apothecary Pharmasave owners Bronwyn and Andrew Tolmie nominated Jennings for the award.
“That says a lot about your employer … that they think that much of you,” said Jennings, who’s been a pharmacy technician for 25 years.
The award was presented in Toronto on June 11 as part of the association’s annual conference.
“Julia Jennings is an excellent example of the positive impact that pharmacy technicians can make on patient care and on the pharmacy team,” said Dennis Darby, OPA’s CEO.
When asked about the skills needed to succeed in this role, Jennings said “the ability to multi-task, work in a team environment, pay attention to detail, provide outstanding patient care, and finally, identify not just problems, but also offer solutions.”
Success requires an understanding of each person’s unique needs and a desire to help improve their health and well-being, said Jennings, who is dedicated to identifying, and addressing, gaps in care within the region.
To do that, she has completed her certification as a weight loss coach and compression therapy fitter and has completed advanced training in home health care.
“We really care about our patients; we want to make sure everybody is receiving the best care that they can get,” Jennings said.
“I like the challenges of helping and caring for people and going above and beyond.”
Jennings’ commitment to the well-being of her community extends beyond the pharmacy.
She has volunteered with the Elora Co-Op Preschool, Fergus Fall Fair, and the Elora-Fergus Ringette Association.
