Morganton’s Table Rock Pharmacy earns national award for community impact

Burke County patients gained national recognition this month after Table Rock Pharmacy in Morganton was named the 2025 AlignRx Pinnacle Award winner for its impact on community health and access to care.

AlignRx, the nation’s largest independently owned pharmacy services organization, selected Table Rock Pharmacy for its patient focused care and its work to close local healthcare gaps.

The annual Pinnacle Award honors one community pharmacy nationwide for exceptional service to patients, the community, and the health care system.

Table Rock Pharmacy was cited for expanding access to care in Burke County by becoming North Carolina’s first pharmacy certified to provide yellow fever vaccinations and the first in the county to offer long-acting injectable services, A1C testing, and hormonal contraceptive prescribing.

During Hurricane Helene owners Michael Stout and Jessi Stout, kept the pharmacy open by transporting a generator by wheelbarrow to protect refrigerated medications.

Staff manually recorded transactions so patients could receive prescriptions, issued temporary medications when providers were unavailable, and coordinated with local physicians and volunteers to supply emergency drugs.

The pharmacy also donated medications and partnered with other North Carolina pharmacies through Operation Streamline to reach hard to access areas.

“Table Rock Pharmacy represents the best of independent pharmacy,” AlignRx President Melanie Maxwell said in a statement. “Their commitment to patient care, innovation, and service, especially during Hurricane Helene, makes them deserving of the Pinnacle Award.”

Jessi Stout said the recognition reflects the work of the entire team.

“There are countless pharmacies doing incredible work nationwide, which makes this especially meaningful,” Stout said. “This award reflects the dedication and heart of our team and their commitment to serving our community.”

Stout is a cofounder of the Patient Health Access Coalition and serves in leadership roles with the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists and the National Community Pharmacists Association. Her recent honors include NCAP Community Care Pharmacist of the Year, the NCAP President’s Service Award, the Don Blanton Award, and Cardinal Health Pharmacist of the Year.

Founded in 1990, Table Rock Pharmacy serves Morganton and greater Burke County with services that include immunizations, Medicare consultations, medication synchronization, compounding, travel vaccines, and diabetes and respiratory testing.

— AVN