This week is National Pharmacy Week, a time to recognize some of our team members in this line of health care. Meet Greg Kimmel, a pharmacist, and Jordan Briones, a certified pharmacy technician. Both work at Harness Health Pharmacy, located inside Mercy Health—Perrysburg Hospital.
Starting off with Greg, he has been with our ministry for the last 44 years and was initially drawn to the study of pharmacy because of a speaker he heard in high school.
“My dad was actually a pharmacist with his own store. However, until I heard a speaker at school, I was only interested in his soda fountain,” Greg shares.
Greg loves being in health care because it challenges him to be the best he can be, both in character and skill.
“My main responsibility as a pharmacist is to provide the “five rights” each time I dispense a prescription: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route and the right time.”
Greg has worked in both inpatient and outpatient positions before. Also, most of his career has been spent as an IT pharmacist, which focuses on implementing technological innovations with existing pharmacy processes. The thing Greg enjoys most about his role is the respect and kindness he witnesses between patients and his colleagues.
“One time I saw an employee buy a visitor lunch, pray with them and visit with them while they ate,” Greg recalls.
When he’s not helping patients, Greg enjoys home repairs, spending time with his wife at their camper and advocating as a disciple to others for Jesus.
And now over to Jordan, who has been with our ministry for the past year and has had an interest in health care since childhood.
“I love being in health care because there are always new things to learn and opportunities for growth,” she shares. “Also, being able to care for patients and building a trusting relationship with them is one of my favorite aspects. You are helping them with their health, so building that relationship is very important.”
Jordan was initially drawn to work at Mercy Health because, “being a part of something greater has always been a goal of mine. Once I saw the opportunity open up with a faith-based hospital, I made sure to apply right away. My relationship with God is a huge part of my life and my career.”
One of Jordan’s main responsibilities is bringing discharge medications right to patient’s bedsides through the Meds2Beds program. This program is a concierge service that eliminates an extra trip to the pharmacy after an appointment, transfusion or similar treatment.
“My favorite part of being a pharmacy technician is the ability to makes patient’s lives easier and making sure they have been taken care of before they leave,” she shares. “I am blessed to be able to do what I do.”
Learn about the pharmacy locations we have at Mercy Health.
