The Cofares Foundation launched its new strategic plan in Spain on Wednesday, unveiling initiatives to turn community pharmacies into mental health support centers.
Cofares President Eduardo Pastor presented the strategy on the morning of September 23 during events marking World Pharmacists Day. Pastor stated that the organization aims to transform itself into a top tier social and healthcare foundation capable of responding to modern societal needs.
According to Pastor, the foundation will focus on driving tangible projects that address public challenges. He emphasized that the operational reach of the parent company allows equitable and safe access to treatments across Spain, supported by pharmacists who listen, advise, detect, prevent, and connect with local residents.
Three key pillars of the strategic plan
The new strategy is structured around three major milestones designed to expand community care. The first pillar is the creation of the Health Experts program, a framework intended to promote high impact health initiatives. As part of this program, the foundation will host an annual summit featuring leading healthcare professionals.
The inaugural summit took place on Wednesday morning under the title Mental Health and Emotional Support from the Pharmacy. The event focused on leveraging local healthcare networks to address psychological well-being.
The second pillar involves strengthening strategic partnerships with prominent organizations in Spain's social and health sectors. The third milestone is the expansion of the Cofares Foundation Award, an initiative designed to recognize vital social work benefiting patients and vulnerable communities while raising awareness of complex illnesses.
Mental health campaign for young people
As part of its alliance strategy, the foundation partnered with Fad Juventud to launch a joint awareness campaign addressing mental health challenges among young people and their families.
Beatriz Martín Padura, general director of Fad Juventud, said mental health is one of the most critical issues facing society today, particularly among youth aged 15 to 29. She noted that more than half of young people in that age group reported experiencing mental health problems during the past year.
The initiative utilizes the physical presence and accessibility of neighborhood pharmacies to provide immediate guidance. Cofares partner pharmacies will distribute promotional materials equipped with QR codes that allow citizens to download a digital Wellbeing Card directly to their smartphones.
Through the card, users can access the Information and Guidance Service operated by Fad Juventud. The service offers free, confidential support provided by specialists in emotional health.
Role of community pharmacies in Spain
The strategic plan builds on the position of Spanish pharmacies as accessible community hubs. Located in neighborhoods throughout the country, local pharmacies serve as first line contact points for healthcare guidance and social monitoring.
Cofares is Spain's principal pharmaceutical distribution cooperative, managing a vast supply network that connects manufacturers with retail pharmacies. Its philanthropic arm, the Cofares Foundation, coordinates social responsibility projects and healthcare awareness campaigns across the country.
Fad Juventud is a Spanish non-profit organization focused on youth development, addiction prevention, and emotional well-being. Under the new strategy, Cofares pharmacies will display campaign materials and issue digital Wellbeing Cards to patients immediately.
