Submitted by Penn Highlands Healthcare
CENTRE COUNTY — Patients visit a pharmacy an average of 35 times a year, and there are plenty of choices when it comes to choosing a pharmacy. There are the big chains, the pharmacies in grocery stores and supercenters as well as the independently owned community pharmacies. While you can have your prescription filled at any of these, there are several benefits to choosing a local community pharmacy.
WHAT IS A COMMUNITY PHARMACY?
Unlike a large regional or national chain, a community pharmacy is a single store, or several stores owned by a single proprietor. It may be owned by the pharmacist themselves, by a small business owner or by your local healthcare system.
WHAT SERVICES DO COMMUNITY PHARMACIES PROVIDE?
Because community pharmacies are independently owned, the services each provides will vary. In addition to filling your prescriptions, community pharmacies may offer vaccinations and immunizations; diabetes care; blood pressure checks; glucose testing; and over-the-counter products such as pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, allergy medications and vitamins.
“At Penn Highlands, our pharmacies offer convenient services for patients, including drive-thru service, auto-refill programs, prescription text alerts and even local candies, candles and other products inside our gift shops,” Michelle Bennett, system director of retail pharmacy at Penn Highlands Healthcare, said in a statement.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CHOOSING A COMMUNITY PHARMACY?
Like many other services and businesses, local- and independently-owned community pharmacies often provide more custom care than you may find at a chain or superstore.
A study by the Rural Health Information Hub found that community pharmacies are often more engaged in their communities than larger chain pharmacies. They may sponsor local events, contribute to charities and have staff members who actively support the local economy.
Community pharmacies can be better positioned to connect patients with community resources, such as medical consultations, financial aid and personalized support that many large pharmacies no longer offer.
“Local pharmacies are focused on building personal relationships with their patients,” Bennett said. “We know how important a trusted relationship is in healthcare, whether it is with your primary care provider or your child’s pediatrician, and your pharmacist is no different. Strong relationships can lead to more informed patients, better outcomes and ultimately a healthier lifestyle.”
Community pharmacies also play a critical role in serving the rural communities that larger organizations ignore because they are less profitable. One study found that community pharmacies are more likely to provide essential services tailored to the needs of rural residents, such as medication counseling.
