DIVERSE SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT: Ivira Health

BY REGINA DONATO

Top-notch health care services should be a right, not a privilege. A typical pharmacy trip usually consists of picking up a prescription, an employee asking if you have any questions for your pharmacist and sending you on your way. Dr. Jay Patel founded Ivira Health in 2015 with the intention of making a trip to the pharmacy more meaningful by providing “care that’s always there”.

After debating between opening his first pharmacy in his hometown of Scranton, PA and Wilmington, DE, Patel decided to take the leap and serve those in need of quality health services here in Delaware. Since opening his first location on Greenhill Avenue in the city of Wilmington, the company has since expanded to include five retail pharmacies across multiple states, as well as a specialty pharmacy, an infusion center, and a care coordination group. “Here at Ivira, filling the medication is only a part of the job for us,” explains Patel. “The rest of it is making sure that our patients are connected to the personalized services that will best serve their needs.”

Ivira Health’s four different branches are all aimed at providing well-rounded and exceptional care for their patients. “Our goal is to become a one-stopshop so that all patients’ health care needs are met within a singular entity,” continues Patel. “By managing medications, infusions, monitoring conditions, and coordinating care, we can ensure that no patient gets lost in an overwhelming healthcare system.”

The organization’s newest subsidiaries, the Care Compass and Infusion Center legs, are especially unique, giving the ability to provide holistic care to their patients. The Care Compass program provides patients with access to resources like social workers, dietitians, health coaches and care coordinators, and the ability to monitor vital signs to help them reach their long-term health goals. The infusion center provides access to care for patients who can’t take medication orally or those who do not respond well to standard types of medication. Coordination with the patient’s doctors and insurance company is included to ensure an easy process for the patient. “Being a pharmacist allows us to be local, which I love,” says Patel. “But these other ventures help us provide care that I never imagined I’d be able to give seven years ago.”

As a community-focused company, Ivira is strategically placed in lower income neighborhoods to help those who need it most. Additionally, Ivira Health gives back to the community in a multitude of other ways: including participating in health fairs and charity events, providing educational materials, and partnering with various businesses and nonprofits across the state. “To us, giving back doesn’t always mean signing a check,” reflects Patel. “Sometimes going out physically and doing services in the community or giving something unique to our patients is what makes a difference.”

Looking forward, Patel and his team want to continue providing “care that’s always there” for the Delaware community and beyond, hoping to continue expanding into other states. As a testament to their hard work and care for the Delaware community, Ivira Health was given an award of excellence at the Delaware State Chamber’s 24th Annual Superstars in Business luncheon in November 2022.