Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Pharmacy has opened a new central fill and distribution center in Zelienople, Pennsylvania. The facility is located at Jackson’s Pointe Commerce Park and covers 20,000 square feet. AHN invested $10 million in this project, which will act as the main hub for its pharmacy operations.
A ribbon-cutting event was held to celebrate the opening, with pharmacy leaders and network officials attending. The center employs around 40 pharmacy professionals and uses advanced technology to automate and streamline prescription fulfillment across AHN’s network.
According to Laura Mark, vice president of AHN Pharmacy, “This facility is a true game-changer for how we deliver pharmacy services across our network. By centralizing and automating prescription fulfillment, we’re not just improving efficiency; we’re strategically repositioning our hospital pharmacists to fully leverage their clinical expertise directly at the patient’s bedside, enhancing collaborative care and, most importantly, patient outcomes.”
The new center features robotics such as the Parata Max 2 High-Speed Vial Filling Robot. This system supports automated labeling, counting, dispensing, capping, and sorting of medications. While automation increases throughput and accuracy, pharmacists and technicians will oversee operations to maintain patient safety protocols and quality control. Medications that require special handling—including allergens like penicillin—will be managed with dedicated protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
The facility also uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging technology for real-time inventory tracking. This helps maintain medication integrity and regulatory compliance while optimizing supply chain management.
Additionally, the Modula Vertical Lift system provides automated vertical storage for quick access to a large inventory of medications within a secure environment. Expanded freezer and refrigerator spaces are included for temperature-sensitive drugs.
Mark stated further: “Ultimately, this space represents a significant evolution in how we optimize our operations to deliver comprehensive, high-quality pharmaceutical services throughout the entire network.”
