Pharmacy making big investment in Albion

By Matt Getts | KPC Media - The News Sun

The Pill Box Pharmacy isn’t just bringing convenience to Albion, it’s bringing a big investment.

In May, the Indiana Pharmacy Board gave Warsaw-based Pill Box Pharmacy President Greg Winn permission to bring a telepharmacy to 903 Northridge Road, Albion, next to Subway at Northridge Village. The building is currently being remodeled on the inside, and Winn has said said once the building is inspected by the state, it will be three months before an official opening.

During Tuesday’s Albion Town Council meeting, approval was given for a $10,000 facade grant for the structure. The pharmacy will be installing exterior signage for $15,764 and a drive-up window for $12,499.

The Albion Redevelopment Commission recommended approval of the grant, which is the maximum allowable under terms of the program.

Town Manager Stefen Wynn urged passage of the grant, citing what he called an initial $388,000 investment the company will have made prior to the pharmacy’s opening.

Winn said the pharmacy will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be staffed with a certified pharmacy technician.

It is the first telepharmacy to be approved in the state.

Winn said people will follow the same procedure they do at a traditional pharmacy. But after a technician has filled the prescription, photos will be taken of the bottle it was taken from as well as the prescription label and one of the actual pills. Those photos will be sent to a pharmacist in Warsaw who will make sure the correct medication was dispensed.

The pharmacist will be available for consultation via a HIPAA-approved secured video link.

Councilman John Morr was instrumental in the passage of legislation which made telepharmacies legal in Indiana.

“On behalf of the entire town, thank you for your hard work,” Council President Vicki Jellison said.

“It’s a great addition to the town,” Councilman Don Shultz said.