2026 I.M.P.A.C.T. Awards Finalist
James Barnes
CPhT
Pharmacy Technician, Avita Pharmacy
US
Bio
Hello! My name is James Barnes (some call me JB). I enlisted in the Army straight out of high school in 2009 as a Signal Collector Analyst, holding Intelligence posts of increasing responsibility over seven and a half years. In 2017, I honorably separated as a Sergeant to pursue a bachelor’s degree in game design. During a tech hiring downturn in 2020, I began working at a pharmacy, and two years later joined Avita Pharmacy — the largest independent nationwide provider of pharmacy solutions for Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program grantees, AIDS Services Organizations, and Community Health Centers. I strive to incorporate the Army’s core values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage) into my everyday work at Avita.
His Impact Story
My goal is to ensure our patients leave the pharmacy happy every day. Many of our patients are members of underserved and marginalized communities and seek a safe space to navigate their healthcare journey. For me, the military core values I learned — respect, selfless service, and honor — are the foundation of compassionate community pharmacy care.
Over the years, I’ve helped many patients who come to Avita after a negative experience elsewhere. I remember their names and why they came in. If a patient is having trouble affording their medication, I immediately hop on the phone with their provider to figure out how we can provide support. It’s my job to ensure that when a patient leaves the pharmacy, they know they can trust me to solve their problem.
Measurable Results
- Our Avita location holds a Net Promoter Score of 93.77%, driven in part by best practices like answering the phone within 10 seconds and greeting patients immediately.
- Uses knowledge of the 340B drug discount program and patient assistance resources to bring patients’ prescription costs as close to $0 as possible.
- Known as a resource for new team members; developed his own training plan for new hires, including helping technician trainees pass their certification exams.
- Frequently travels to other Avita locations to train new hires and cover staffing shortages — including once driving nearly four hours one way to help a sister pharmacy in Texas.
Quotes & Perspective
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Personal Quote
“Respect may seem like a simple thing, but it’s one of the easiest values to forget, especially if you’re not in the right mindset. As a pharmacy technician, like in the Army, I respect others as individuals. I value their time, who they are, and what they do.”
What I.M.P.A.C.T. Means to Him
“To me, IMPACT means ensuring that a patient can be open about who they are and knows they’re in good hands with their medications… It makes my day when patients tell me they’ve lived a much better life because we’ve helped them access the medications they need.”
What First Drew Him to This Work
“I became a pharmacy technician by chance. While working at a large retailer in college after leaving the military, I was approached about a position at Avita… It wasn’t long before I wanted to do everything I could to support our pharmacy patients.”
A Moment He's Most Proud Of
“One of my patients had been trying to access their HIV medication… I worked with our clinic partner to obtain a six-week supply of sample medication until they could secure enrollment in the prescription assistance program. I simply couldn’t stomach their paying hundreds of dollars for medication when another option was available.”
Advice for Other Pharmacy Technicians
“No matter where you work, always talk with your patients. Remember their names. Go into each interaction with a smile and show them that you care.”
Key Takeaway
“Building relationships with your patients is vital to the level of care you can provide as a technician. It doesn’t matter where you are or how busy you are; take a moment to truly connect.”
His Impact Story
Links to Feature
Testimonials
"These folks are so professional and customer-oriented. It's as if a good friend is looking over my shoulder and helping take care of me. Always on time and always gracious."
"You guys make a lot of people's lives a lot easier and more manageable. I appreciate what this team does for me and the community."
"I often leverage James' ability to connect with people and teach new employees. He has mentored numerous new technicians and even pharmacists. He is gentle in his constructive feedback."
"James is the co-worker who makes everyone's day better... As a pharmacist, I can count on James to be reliable, hardworking, and to be a resource for other technicians, customers, and myself."
Voting is Open
Support James Barnes
in the 2026 I.M.P.A.C.T. Awards
Cast your vote, then join the LIVE Online Pharmacy Technician I.M.P.A.C.T. Awards Ceremony on RXTech Day, October 20, 2026.
Voting closes September 30, 2026