In the trenches: Prescriptions Plus keeps customers’ safety front and center
Owners and staff members at Prescriptions Plus, an independent pharmacy that has operated in Festus for 16 years, are fighting the pandemic like a family.
Because that’s how they feel about one another, said owner Doug Rademaker, who also works as a pharmacist at the business.
“Some of us have worked together for some 30 years. Some of us have pre-existing conditions. But we’ve been careful, and we’ve been lucky. None of us have gotten it (COVID-19).” Rademaker said.
That same caution extends to protecting the pharmacy’s customers.
The business is deemed essential and has stayed open since the crisis began. Early on, the shop was closed to walk-in traffic, but doors are open now, with Plexiglas shields in place and masks for all employees.
No-contact delivery is free and the pharmacy uses Med-sync to bundle prescriptions for customers.
“We align all their medications, so they don’t have to make multiple trips,” Rademaker said. “We started it before COVID, but it’s really helpful now. The fewer trips a person has to make, the better for them.
“We’re doing everything we can to keep our staff and our patients healthy,” he said.
With that in mind, the pharmacy, 1113 W. Gannon Drive, will offer flu shots as soon as possible, hopefully by the second week of September, Rademaker said.
“It’s important every year, but especially this year,” he said.
Rademaker said the battle against the virus has taught him something important.
“We are resilient and we can face these challenges,” he said.
The virus has reduced visits to doctors, which affects pharmacies.“We’ve seen a drop-off in business, but as we move through this, we want to help the community rebound, and we hope the community will help us rebound,” Rademaker said.
But his No. 1 desire is focused on people: “I’d like them to stay safe,” he said.
