The Oregon Pharmacy Patients Can Trust
What motivated Creswell Pharmacy, and what distinctive services have you introduced to benefit your patients?
We opened Creswell Health Mart Pharmacy in 2017 after another pharmacy left the area. Seeing the community’s need and the area’s growth, we seized the opportunity to establish our pharmacy. Besides providing prescriptions, we offer a wide selection of over-the-counter items and a fun gift shop, addressing the limited options in our small town. Additionally, we’ve introduced services like an Amazon hub, UPS drop-off and pickup, and a photocopier for easy access to copying, faxing, emailing, and banner-making. These amenities are especially appreciated by local teachers and residents. Our delivery service extends beyond Creswell to areas like Cottage Grove and Pleasant Hill, ensuring those who can’t easily get into town receive their medications. When the regional chain Bi-Mart sold its pharmacy business to Walgreens, our customer base quadrupled within months. We quickly expanded our staff from three to twelve members to handle the increased demand, becoming the only pharmacy in town. We also provide free delivery to local retirement homes, in-home care companies, and memory care facilities, ensuring comprehensive support for our community.
Congratulations on being a finalist for Health Mart Atlas Pharmacy of the Year. What does this success mean to you?
Being a finalist for Health Mart Atlas Pharmacy of the Year is a tremendous honor. We have always strived to go above and beyond for our customers, and receiving recognition for our efforts is amazing. Our philosophy centers on the belief that if we take care of our customers, they will take care of us. We’re committed to going the extra mile, and this nomination validates that our patients appreciate our dedication and that we are successful in what we do.
How does Creswell Pharmacy stand out among its competitors?
We stand out due to our exceptional customer service, especially during the Bi-Mart pharmacy closures when we ensured all calls were answered and customers received their medications promptly. Unlike understaffed chain pharmacies, we maintain adequate staffing levels to handle our workload efficiently. Our team chemistry is crucial; we hire individuals who fit well with our group, enhancing our service quality. We strive to create a friendly, personal atmosphere where we know our customers by name and remember personal details, fostering a family-oriented environment. Additionally, we offer delivery and mailing services within Oregon, which many pharmacies don’t. While Creswell doesn’t do compounding, our sister store, River Road Health Mart, does, allowing us to refer customers for compounded prescriptions. Our comprehensive services and personal touch help us stand out in a competitive market.
Can you share a notable experience or success story that highlights the value of your partnership with IPC?
While I’m primarily on the administrative side and only occasionally work in the pharmacy, I can share some insights from our experience with IPC. My lead technician, Maria, regularly orders from IPC and always finds the process smooth and reliable. A memorable experience was when we reached out to IPC for our annual anniversary celebration. They generously provided goodies for our community goodie bags, which was a big hit. Our interactions with IPC reps at trade shows have been very positive—they are always helpful and engaging. Overall, IPC offers competitive pricing and reliable service, making it easy for us to manage our inventory. We also enjoy the entertaining and informative breakout sessions they provide, adding value to our partnership.