Jay Gupta, cofounder and President of YogaCaps, Inc. and RxRelax, received the prestigious Bowl of Hygeia Award, sponsored by the American Pharmacists Association Foundation and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations. It was presented at the Annual Holiday Reception hosted by the New Hampshire Pharmacy Association.
This distinguished award recognizes exceptional community service and a steadfast commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession. Gupta was honored for his groundbreaking contributions to pharmacy practice and public health, as well as his dedication to patient care and health education.
The Bowl of Hygeia, one of pharmacy’s most coveted accolades, symbolizes the values of health, service, and community care. As a recipient, Gupta joins an elite group of professionals who have left an indelible mark on healthcare and the lives of individuals nationwide.
During his speech, Gupta noted that he was “truly honored to receive the award and accept it on behalf of all pharmacists dedicated to improving the health and well-being of othersâ€. With a playful nod to his profession, he added that “it can be said that pharmacists are the PILLERS as well as pillars of society,†prompting laughter and applause from the audience.
Gupta also expressed heartfelt gratitude to his wife, Terry; his colleagues; clients; and the many individuals he has served across more than 40 states. He added that “this award is a testament to the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work with and serve. Thank you for entrusting me with this incredible honorâ€.
A visionary leader and integrative pharmacist, Gupta’s extensive background spans clinical expertise, international business experience in the pharmaceutical industry, leadership in retail pharmacy management and a passion for community wellness. As a yoga therapist and passionate advocate for therapeutic yoga as a tool for DePrescribing, he has re-defined patient care through innovative practices that emphasize whole-person health via DePrescription. His unique approach to deprescribing—carefully reducing or eliminating unnecessary medications—reflects his commitment to enhancing person-centered care and well-being, while addressing the complexities of modern healthcare.
In addition to his pioneering and long-standing service to YogaCaps, Inc., Gupta is an energetic volunteer leader who contributes to numerous other health-related projects and initiatives. He serves as an adjunct member of the Oversight Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementia with the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS); as a steering committee member for Hep Free NNE (Hepatitis Free Northern New England) which is actively working to combat hepatitis in the Northern New England region; and as a Board Member for New Futures, Inc. which cultivates civic leadership and advances public policy. Jay also served as a Board Member for the Nashua YMCA, where he remains an active committee member.
Jay’s unwavering commitment to advancing integrative health practices includes the education of the next generation of health professionals through RxRelax CE programs and lectures. Additionally, he mentors yoga teachers from diverse traditions. A guest lecturer for final year medical students, Jay also supported pharmacy students during clinical rotations for a number of years. Most recently, YogaCaps launched an exciting community health partnership with a local nursing school, expanding Jay’s impact on holistic wellness even further.
All of us at YogaCaps are grateful for and inspired by Jay’s admirable record of civic engagement.
Congratulations Jay!