For Immediate Release
Contact:
Kandy Cayce
DHS Division of Services for the Blind
501-682-0332
Pocahontas Pharmacist Justin Broadway Receives Services for the Blind Award
Justin Broadway, a pharmacist from Pocahontas, has been named the area’s outstanding Consumer of the Year by the Department of Human Services Division of Services for the Blind (DSB).
He was selected from an area that includes Randolph, Independence, Izard, Stone, Cleburne, Fulton, White, and Sharp Counties. DSB Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Darline Tucker nominated Broadway for the achievement award because of his determination to overcome adversity and succeed at work.
The award presentation was made at the May 17 meeting of the Rotary Club of Pocahontas, held at Beverly’s Downtown Catering.
City Pharmacy was recognized by DSB as an outstanding business partner for its commitment to promoting the employment of persons with vision impairment. The pharmacy is a locally-owned independent pharmacy.
Broadway said he was diagnosed with Corneal Dystrophy, a degenerative eye disorder in which abnormal material accumulates in the clear outer layer of the eye (cornea); Myopia (nearsightedness); and a slight stigmatism.
Broadway graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and is working on his MBA in Management and Business Ethics, both from Harding University. He worked part-time at a pharmacy during his weekends and school vacations to gain experience.
“This on-the-job work experience was extremely beneficial to him to ‘hit the ground running’ once he successfully achieved his degree,” said Tucker. “He has been working full time as a pharmacist since his graduation.
"The owner/pharmacist was so impressed with Justin’s work ethic and dedication that he offered him the opportunity to take over management of the pharmacy once he retired,” said Tucker.
Broadway is now the head pharmacist at City Pharmacy in Pocahontas.
"I enjoy the day-to-day contact with people and getting to benefit people’s health and livelihood. Of course, I like the business side of it, too,” he said.
Broadway expressed his appreciation for the services he received from DSB. The agency provided vocational counseling and guidance and assistance with college tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Broadway is a member of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association and plans to join the Rotary Club. In his spare time Broadway enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, and water sports.
This is the 10th year that DSB has given Consumer of the Year awards to recognize individuals who have managed their rehabilitation plans, gained marketable skills, secured good jobs, and become role models for others. An overall state winner will be selected at the end of the year.
DSB provides vocational rehabilitation services to adults who are blind or severely visually impaired and whose goal is successful employment. The division also serves youth and older blind individuals. For information about DSB’s programs and services, visit the DSB website at https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/dsb/Pages/default.aspx or call 1-800-960-9270, 501-682-5463, or deaf relay 711.
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Outstanding Consumer of the Year
Justin Broadway (at right), a pharmacist at City Pharmacy in Pocahontas, was recently honored as the area's outstanding Consumer of the Year by the Arkasas Department of Human Services Division of Services for the Blind (DSB). He is pictured with his employer, Carol Reynolds, owner of City Pharmacy, who was also recognized as an outstanding business partner.
