Alexandria, VA, December 18, 2001 - Joseph Gruber, RPh, CGP, FASCP, received the CCGP/AstraZeneca Excellence in Geriatric Pharmacy Practice Award on November 7 at Senior Care Pharmacy '01, ASCP's 32nd Annual Meeting and Exhibition in Chicago, Illinois. A long-time supporter of CCGP, Gruber received the award from CCGP Chairman, Bradley Williams at the opening general session.

"The nominees for this award represented an exceptional group of practitioners from many areas of senior care pharmacy. And, it was a difficult task to select only one recipient from among this distinguished group. It is fitting that the first recipient of this award was also among the first group of candidates to sit for the exam and earn the Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP) credential," noted Dr. Williams in his remarks.

Gruber is currently the Regional Director of Clinical Services with Omnicare, Inc. He has worked tirelessly to promote the value of the CGP credential-both inside and outside his own organization and to members of the other health professions. He currently serves on the CCGP Examination Development Committee and has participated as a panel member at several CCGP workshops. Gruber was named his company's representative to the American Medical Directors Clinical Practice Guideline Steering Committee, was recently elected to the ASCP Board of Directors, has published numerous articles promoting the CGP credential, and actively encourages the members of his staff to seek the CGP designation.

The sponsor of the award, AstraZeneca, will contribute a $2,500 educational grant in Gruber's name to the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, Gruber's alma mater.

The CCGP/AstraZeneca Excellence in Geriatric Pharmacy Practice Award recognizes the Certified Geriatric Pharmacist who fosters the principles of good pharmacy practice; demonstrates excellence in geriatric patient care; and, promotes the value and rigorous standards established by CCGP. The award will be given annually to a Certified Geriatric Pharmacist who consistently exemplifies the vision and mission of CCGP.