UHS ribbon-cutting introduces 24/7 pharmacy in JC

A March 15 ribbon-cutting ceremony introduced to the Southern Tier an exciting new option in pharmaceutical services, with the launch of the UHS Pharmacy Johnson City in its new location, 345 Main St.  The retail pharmacy will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  The 11,000-square-foot site is in beautifully remodeled space formerly occupied by a CVS store, just across the street from the soon-to-open Wilson Main Tower at UHS Wilson Medical Center. 

“This new 24/7 pharmacy will serve both UHS patients and the public at large,” said William Waldron, RPH, MHA, director of Pharmacy Community Practice at UHS.  “At this location we will also offer a 24/7 drive-through option—a first for us—plus a pharmacist-led vaccination clinic.”  The location is the closest 24/7 pharmacy to area hospitals, and will be especially convenient for patients using the drive-through option at any hour of the day or night, and those who need prescriptions when leaving the hospital.  

Said John Carrigg, president and chief executive officer of UHS:  “We are thrilled to be able to offer the services of a 24/7 pharmacy in a convenient, central location.  It is a huge opportunity for us to serve many patients in a place that has been underserved since two chain pharmacies closed in the neighborhood within the past couple of years.”  Continuing, Mr. Carrigg noted:  “Projects like this represent a major financial investment on UHS’ part to introduce an important service to patients that will also have a positive impact on the Broome County economy.”

Said Leigh Briscoe-Dwyer, PharmD, system director of Pharmacy Services at UHS:  “We were drawn to this location because of its proximity to the Wilson Main Tower and the opportunity to have a presence on both sides of the street in an easily accessible location within Johnson City.  This will benefit a wide range of patients across the Southern Tier.”  In a separate area of the building, with its own entrance, a Specialty Pharmacy will provide special medications to patients with serious, complex conditions, such as cancer, hepatitis or diabetes; the specialty service will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

UHS maintains retail pharmacy services at a number of other locations around the Southern Tier:  Endicott, Vestal, Binghamton and Walton.  To further help patients, UHS offers a medication assistance program to keep prescriptions affordable, providing in excess of $2 million a year in what would otherwise be out-of-pocket expenses for patients.  In addition, the UHS Pharmacy Services Division is an important partner in the education of future pharmacists.  Pharmacy students complete rotations at UHS pharmacies as part of their training when they are studying at Binghamton University’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, located near UHS Wilson Medical Center in the Johnson City Health & Cultural District.