Exhibit 99.2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:          George V. Hager, Jr.
                  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
                  (610) 444-6350

Genesis Health Ventures Vice Chairman Resigns

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa.--June 21, 2002--Genesis Health Ventures today announced that
David C. Barr, Vice Chairman of Genesis Health Services, resigned to pursue
other opportunities. Mr. Barr will continue with the Company as a consultant to
develop business opportunities.

Mr. Barr's responsibilities encompassed Genesis service businesses including
NeighborCare, a leading institutional pharmacy operation. NeighborCare will
continue to be run by Robert A. Smith, President, who will now report directly
to Robert H. Fish, Interim CEO of Genesis Health Ventures.

"On behalf of the employees of Genesis, I want to thank Dave for his years of
service and dedication in helping to build the Genesis and NeighborCare
businesses", said Mr. Fish. "I am very pleased that Dave has agreed to continue
to work with us on a consulting basis. His knowledge of the Company and insight
into the industry are great assets."

About Genesis Health Ventures

Genesis Health Ventures (NASDAQ:GHVI - News) provides eldercare in the eastern
US through a network of Genesis ElderCare skilled nursing and assisted living
facilities, plus long term care support services nationwide including pharmacy,
medical equipment and supplies, rehabilitation therapy, group purchasing,
hospitality, consulting and facility management.

Visit our website at http://www.ghv.com


Statements made in this release, and in our other public filings and releases,
which are not historical facts contain "forward-looking" statements (as defined
in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) 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" and
similar expressions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially include, but are not limited to, the following: 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 consolidation of managed care
organizations and other third party payors; competition in our business;
litigation regarding our NeighborCare pharmacy operations' provision of service
to HCR Manor Care; 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, return
to profitability 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 we operate.


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.