CARE Pharmacies is a member-owned cooperative of independent community and retail specialty pharmacies, now spanning more than 200 locations across 28 states and Washington, DC.
Over the past decade, CARE Pharmacies has emerged as one of the fastest-growing drug chains in the U.S. and Canada—evolving from 45 members and $156 million in sales in 2010 to a network approaching $2 billion in cooperative revenue today.
This remarkable trajectory has earned national recognition, including multiple “Hot 100” retailer honors from the National Retail Federation and the 2021 Regional Drug Chain of the Year award from Chain Drug Review.
Founded in 1960 by a group of forward-thinking community pharmacists, CARE Pharmacies was built on a simple yet powerful idea: collaboration. By pooling resources and clinical expertise, members create lasting value—for themselves, their patients and the communities they serve. Today, the cooperative delivers a comprehensive suite of programs and services tailored to the evolving demands of independent owner-operators.
CARE Pharmacies’ strength lies in its purchasing and shared services cooperative model hybrid model: members gain the logistical and purchasing advantages of a large chain while preserving their independence and local identity. This balance—combined with a leadership team focused on innovation and empowerment—has fueled the cooperative’s sustained success.
Guiding the organization is CEO Michael Wysong, who has steered CARE Pharmacies since 2010. A veteran of pharmacy operations and advocacy, Wysong previously chaired the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS). He leads a seasoned executive team, including CFO Wafaa Berrady, Director of Programs and Services Chance McConnell and specialists in operations, managed care and member support.
Through its affiliation with NCBA CLUSA, CARE Pharmacies taps into a nationwide network of cooperatives—gaining advocacy, shared resources and cross-industry collaboration that amplify its impact.
“Membership with NCBA CLUSA connects us to a dynamic cooperative ecosystem,” Berrady said. “It strengthens our operations, elevates our voice on critical issues, and supports the broader movement toward shared prosperity and community-centered business.”
For Wysong, that cooperative connection reflects a broader philosophy about how independent pharmacies can compete and grow in today’s marketplace.
“Our model proves independent pharmacies can thrive—harnessing collective power for better pricing and efficiency without ever losing their soul,” he said. “That’s how we’ve grown from a small network into a national force, delivering personalized care in a crowded market.”
“[The cooperative] model proves independent pharmacies can thrive. That’s how we’ve grown from a small network into a national force, delivering personalized care in a crowded market.” – Michael Wysong, CARE Pharmacies