Courtesy of The Gary 411 • May 1, 2019
New outlet offers prescription and over-the-counter services to the public
“May this be a place to serve the community’s needs,” was Rev. Dr. David Neville’s prayer at Wednesday’s blessing and dedication of Methodist Hospitals new pharmacy at its Northlake Campus in Gary.
Since 2017, the city has seen the closure of most of its pharmacies with the realignment of the retail outlets owned by Walgreens and CVS. Walgreens closed 2 of its Gary stores, one in the Aetna-Miller section, leaving the city’s most populated area without a pharmacy.
Methodist Hospitals’ new outpatient pharmacy offers prescription and over-the-counter services to the public, not just its hospital patients.
The downtown pharmacy at 6th and Grant opened March 11.
“I know our patients who use the pharmacy will benefit,” said pharmacist and manager Julie Witvoet. “Before going home, we will answer any questions patients have about their medications. And we will deliver the prescriptions to the patients’ rooms so they won’t have to stop at the pharmacy when they leave.”
Ray Grady, Methodists’ president and CEO said the new pharmacy represented the hospital’s commitment to help all the people of Gary. “I know businesses have been leaving; but we’re one of those organizations in it for the long haul.”
Director of Pharmacy Jackie Ivankovic said the pharmacy also has a program to help pay for prescriptions for patients and the public who don’t have an insurance plan.
Pharmacy hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekends. Visitors to the pharmacy will receive a wristband at the hospital entrance. It is located on the main floor next to the admissions desk.
Story Posted:05/02/2019
