(a) (36) [NeighborCare LOGO] July 5, 2005 Dear NeighborCare Associate, This morning we announced that NeighborCare has entered into negotiations with the other guy concerning a potential business combination or other strategic transaction. The Board has authorized this action because as a public company we must look out for the best interests of our shareholders. Please note that we have not reached any type of agreement, and there can be no assurance that we will. I understand that this news may cause speculation and some apprehension, but I ask you to please try to stay focused on our business. We have an ongoing commitment to our customers, and our focus needs to remain on them. This is the best way to achieve our goals as a company. As soon as I'm able, I promise to provide you with additional detail. As always, I remain grateful for all that you have done and continue to do for the Company. Sincerely, /s/ John J. Arlotta John J. Arlotta Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer NeighborCare, Inc. STATEMENTS MADE IN THIS DOCUMENT, OUR WEBSITE AND IN OUR OTHER PUBLIC FILINGS AND RELEASES, WHICH ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS CONTAIN "FORWARD-LOOKING" STATEMENTS (AS DEFINED IN THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS) THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, STATEMENTS CONTAINING WORDS SUCH AS "ANTICIPATE," "BELIEVE," "PLAN," "ESTIMATE," "EXPECT," "INTEND," "MAY", "TARGET" AND SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS. SUCH FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, STATEMENTS REGARDING THE EFFECT OF THE SPIN-OFF ON OUR OPERATIONS, EXPECTED CHANGES IN REIMBURSEMENT RATES AND INFLATIONARY INCREASES IN STATE MEDICAID RATES, EXPECTED BED COUNT, EXPECTED SG&A EXPENSE, ANTICIPATED RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND ESTIMATES OF TIMING AND COSTS SAVINGS RELATED TO COST IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES. FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING: COSTS, CHANGES IN THE REIMBURSEMENT RATES OR METHODS OF PAYMENT FROM MEDICARE OR MEDICAID, OR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OTHER MEASURES TO REDUCE REIMBURSEMENT FOR OUR SERVICES; CHANGES IN PHARMACY LEGISLATION AND PAYMENT FORMULAS; THE EXPIRATION OF ENACTMENTS PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING; EFFORTS OF THIRD PARTY PAYORS TO CONTROL COSTS; THE IMPACT OF FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS; CHANGES IN PAYOR MIX AND PAYMENT METHODOLOGIES; FURTHER CONSOLIDA- 601 East Pratt Street, 3rd Floor Baltimore, Maryland, 21202-6000 TEL 410.528.7300 FAX 410.528.7447 TION OF MANAGED CARE ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER THIRD PARTY PAYORS; COMPETITION IN OUR BUSINESS; AN INCREASE IN INSURANCE COSTS AND POTENTIAL LIABILITY FOR LOSSES NOT COVERED BY, OR IN EXCESS OF, OUR INSURANCE; COMPETITION FOR QUALIFIED STAFF IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY; OUR ABILITY TO CONTROL OPERATING COSTS, AND GENERATE SUFFICIENT CASH FLOW TO MEET OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS; AND AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN OR CHANGES IN THE LAWS AFFECTING OUR BUSINESS IN THOSE MARKETS IN WHICH NEIGHBORCARE OPERATES. OUR BUSINESS, OPERATIONS OR RESULTS COULD ALSO BE AFFECTED BY THE EFFECTS OF OMNICARE'S TENDER OFFER OR ITS PENDENCY ON THE COMPANY AND ITS BUSINESS, EMPLOYEES, CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS. THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INVOLVE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER FACTORS THAT ARE, IN SOME CASES, BEYOND OUR CONTROL. WE CAUTION INVESTORS THAT ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS MADE BY US ARE NOT GUARANTEES OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE. WE DISCLAIM ANY OBLIGATION TO UPDATE ANY SUCH FACTORS OR TO ANNOUNCE PUBLICLY THE RESULTS OF ANY REVISIONS TO ANY OF THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS TO REFLECT FUTURE EVENTS OR DEVELOPMENTS. NEIGHBORCARE HAS FILED A SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9 REGARDING OMNICARE'S TENDER OFFER. NEIGHBORCARE'S SHAREHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO READ CAREFULLY NEIGHBORCARE'S SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS) REGARDING THE TENDER OFFER BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. FREE COPIES OF THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT AND THE RELATED AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS, WHICH HAVE BEEN FILED BY NEIGHBORCARE WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SEC'S WEB SITE AT WWW.SEC.GOV, OR AT NEIGHBORCARE'S WEB SITE AT WWW.NEIGHBORCARE.COM, AND ALSO BY DIRECTING REQUESTS TO NEIGHBORCARE'S INFORMATION AGENT, MACKENZIE PARTNERS, INC., AT 1-800-322-2885.