Building a Lifeline for Veterans – Alphapointe and the VA

Client Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates the Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP) program, an innovative mail-order pharmaceutical distribution system serving millions of veterans. With seven large-scale facilities located across the U.S., the CMOP program ensures consistent and efficient delivery of medications to veterans nationwide. These high-throughput facilities are staffed by licensed pharmacists and technicians, relying on automation for precise dispensing and packaging of prescription medications. 

The Challenge

The VA needed a consistent, high-quality supply of 120cc and 250cc pill bottles and child-resistant “convertible” caps for use in automated dispensing equipment across all seven CMOP facilities. This presented several key challenges: 

• Massive Scale: The VA required over 55 million bottles and caps annually, ordered by the truckload to ensure operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

• Precision Standards: The bottles had to meet strict tolerances for height and diameter to function across a range of dispensing equipment—some of which was cutting-edge, while others were decades old. 

• Supply Chain Continuity: The VA needed a partner capable of adapting quickly to fluctuations in supply and demand, ensuring no disruptions in the delivery of essential medications. 

The Solution

Alphapointe stepped in as a critical supplier for the VA’s CMOP program, providing high-quality bottles and caps that meet the unique specifications required for automated dispensing. Alphapointe’s long-standing relationship with the VA began in the mid-1990s with the launch of the CMOP program, and it has grown into a highly collaborative partnership over the years. 

Key aspects of Alphapointe’s solution include: 

• Precision Manufacturing: Alphapointe produced bottles with extremely tight tolerances to ensure compatibility across all seven CMOP sites, regardless of the age or type of dispensing equipment. 

• Custom Solutions: When a competitor’s caps failed to fit Alphapointe’s bottles, Alphapointe partnered with Phoenix Closures to create a proprietary convertible cap that perfectly matched the VA’s specifications. 

• Agile Response to Emergencies: During a resin shortage caused by a severe ice storm, Alphapointe proactively secured the necessary materials to avoid supply disruptions. Their quick action ensured that the VA did not miss a single shipment. 

• Innovative Touches: Alphapointe prints the 988 Crisis Line logo on its bottles as an added touch to support veterans’ mental health, reinforcing the VA’s commitment to the well-being of those they serve. 

The Results

Alphapointe’s partnership with the VA has delivered outstanding results: 

• Unmatched Reliability: Alphapointe has maintained a seamless supply chain, ensuring uninterrupted service for millions of veterans. 

• Customized Solutions: By creating exclusive caps and bottles tailored to the VA’s needs, Alphapointe has become an indispensable partner. 

• Enhanced Veteran Support: The addition of the 988 Crisis Line information on bottles helps provide life-saving resources to veterans when they need it most. 

Why Alphapointe?

Alphapointe’s success with the VA lies in their ability to adapt and innovate while maintaining the highest standards of quality. Their attention to detail, coupled with a deep understanding of the VA’s unique needs, has allowed them to build a partnership based on trust, reliability, and shared purpose. 

The partnership between Alphapointe and the VA exemplifies what’s possible when two organizations work together toward a common goal—ensuring that veterans receive the care and support they deserve. With a focus on precision, innovation, and unwavering reliability, Alphapointe has become an integral part of the VA’s efforts to improve the lives of those who served. 

Looking for a partner who can deliver high-quality, custom solutions at scale? Alphapointe is ready to help. Contact us today to learn how we can collaborate to meet your organization’s needs with precision and innovation.