A Fresh Look at the Manchester Pharmacy: Great Programs, Extended Hours, Commitment to the Community
There has been a lot of discussion over the past year about stores closing shop in downtown Manchester. There are a lot of empty storefronts, so many that some worry that we are becoming a ghost town. This leads people, residents and non-residents alike, to think that Manchester doesn’t have much to offer anymore. This is entirely untrue. Downtown businesses are true gems that we need to revisit, renew, and support so that they thrive.
Residents in Manchester have reached a point where some of the stores that have been in business for years are now taken for granted. We think we know what to expect and don’t expect anything more. The Manchester Pharmacy is a staple of Main Street. It’s been there for years. In fact, it is the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Michigan. It’s been so reliable that sometimes we think nothing ever changes. However, in speaking with Michael Orta, the Assistant Regional Manager, there are some great new programs at the Manchester Pharmacy that is deserves a fresh look.
The first great program is the free influenza and strep throat testing. Eligible patients will be tested for either influenza or strep throat by a trained pharmacist, right at the pharmacy, using noninvasive and FDA cleared rapid diagnostic tests. In the event of a positive test, the pharmacist is able to dispense the appropriate prescription medication to treat the condition, based on stringent protocol developed by the study’s physicians. This protocol eliminates the need for the patient to schedule and attend an office visit, and allows them to begin treatment immediately. You can read more about this program here.
This testing isn’t meant to compete with or eliminate regular doctor visits, but is intended to eliminate the hassle for those who may have had the sickness in the past or are known to have been exposed by a friend or family member. You should, of course, continue to see your doctor to maintain overall health.
The second program that is worth a fresh look is the transfer prescription program. If you have not used the pharmacy to fill prescriptions in the past twelve months, currently have a prescription with refills on file at another pharmacy and choose to transfer the prescription to the Manchester Pharmacy, you will receive a $20.00 gift card to be used towards anything in the store. This program is comparable to those at national chains like Target and Meijer, but much closer to home.
While we hope never to have a need, it’s inevitable that at one time or another we will all require durable medical equipment (DME), even if only temporarily. Whether the need arises from a slip and fall or a total knee replacement, the pharmacy is there to help by having equipment on hand to aid in your recovery. They rent equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and knee walkers. They also have a wall full of small equipment and braces to help with sprains, strains, and carpal tunnel. Don’t forget about the aisles full of pain medication, ointments, and bandages! If the pharmacy doesn’t have what you need in stock, they’ll get it for you. Orders come in the next business day.
I know what you’re thinking. What good are these great programs when you can’t get to the pharmacy when it’s open? You’re right. That’s why they’ve extended their hours. If you work out of town, you no longer need to find a pharmacy close to the office; you’ll now be able to stop at the Manchester Pharmacy on your way home. The pharmacy is open from 9:00am-7:00pm M-F and 9:00am-3:00pm on Saturday.
Having the pharmacy open later is great, but what happens when a resident is too sick to travel to the pharmacy? The pharmacy will deliver!! Yes, that’s right. And there is currently NO FEE for this service. The pharmacy will deliver medication to those individuals who are house-bound, too sick to go out, without transportation or can’t make it to the pharmacy, whatever the reason.
Shopping at the pharmacy supports your neighbors in many ways. This is truly a small town pharmacy.
The pharmacy gives about 95% of their advertising dollars to different non-profit organizations in the community. When an organization needs support for a fundraiser or to meet the needs of the residents, the Manchester Pharmacy is more than willing to help those in the community.
Every one of the four permanent employees is a Manchester resident. The pharmacist, Jay Demski has been working there since 2011. Jay is always accessible. Unlike other pharmacies where a technician always interacts with the customers and you have to ask if you need to speak with the pharmacist, it is not unusual for Jay himself to run the cash register. In fact, if he sees a regular customer come through the door, it is common for Jay to pull their order and have it waiting by the time they reach the register!
Jay is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Michigan and brings in pharmacy students during their 2nd and 4th years as part of their pharmaceutical studies. His goal is to show the students the difference in the types of pharmacies. A community pharmacy is very different than a hospital or long-term care pharmacy. It has an impact on the surrounding community. It’s up to pharmacist to make sure that it’s a good impact.
Rose Cousino is the pharmacy manager and also the president of the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce. She is truly engaged in the community, working to make Manchester a better place to live and work. Kelly Kasbohm and Melissa Cousino round out the four permanent employees and Manchester residents. And, of course, Michael Orta is a resident as well. On occasion, another pharmacist will come from Chelsea or Dexter to cover for Jay when he has a day off, but generally speaking, you will find one of your neighbors in the store ready to serve you.
The next time that you’re in the market to fill a prescription, grab a unique gift with a Hallmark card, or are in need of a bouquet of flowers, think twice before driving out of town. What you need is right here – at the Manchester Pharmacy.
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