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August 28, 2024

The Vital Role of Local Pharmacies in Community Health: Insights from Thomas McDowell

TWIN COUNTY MEDIA

In today's fast-paced world, the importance of supporting local businesses, particularly pharmacies, is more crucial than ever. Thomas McDowell, owner of Rocky Mount Medical Park Pharmacy and Happier at Home ENC, highlights why local pharmacies are essential to the health and well-being of communities like Rocky Mount.


"Supporting a local pharmacy is more than just making a purchase—it's an investment in your community," says McDowell. He emphasizes that local businesses contribute significantly to the local economy by creating jobs and fostering community engagement. McDowell believes the personalized care offered by local pharmacies sets them apart from big box retailers, where the focus often lacks the same personal touch.


Beyond exceptional customer service, Rocky Mount Medical Park Pharmacy offers specialized services that larger chains may not provide. These include free delivery, adherence packaging through the MAC Pack program, medication synchronization, and Medicare drug plan consultations. The pharmacy’s Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) program, designed for patients with high blood pressure or diabetes, is a standout service that tracks patients' health remotely, ensuring timely interventions and better outcomes.


The MAC Pack program is a key service at Rocky Mount Medical Park Pharmacy. This adherence packaging service sorts medications by date and time, packages them in easy-to-tear pouches, and delivers them monthly. It is especially beneficial for patients managing multiple medications, alleviating the complexities of medication management and reducing the risk of hospitalization due to medication errors.


McDowell’s commitment to community care extends beyond the pharmacy with Happier at Home ENC, a senior care service providing one-on-one care to help clients maintain independence at home. Services include companionship, personal care, meal prep, and transportation. By integrating these caregiving services with pharmacy offerings, McDowell ensures a seamless and comprehensive care experience for clients.


Reflecting on the evolution of his businesses, McDowell notes that pharmacy has been in his family for generations. When the opportunity to purchase Rocky Mount Medical Park Pharmacy arose in 2021, he and his wife saw it as a chance to bring their tradition of patient care to a new community. However, the business faces challenges, particularly from Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), whose practices often impose financial strains on independent pharmacies.


Despite these challenges, McDowell remains committed to adapting his business through technology and personalized care. His dedication to providing a personal touch in everything they do sets Rocky Mount Medical Park Pharmacy apart from the competition.


Thomas McDowell’s Rocky Mount Medical Park Pharmacy and Happier at Home ENC demonstrate how local businesses can make a profound impact on their communities. Through personalized care, innovative services, and a deep commitment to patient well-being, McDowell and his team ensure that the health of Rocky Mount residents is in good hands. Supporting local pharmacies not only strengthens the community but also offers a level of care and attention that big box retailers simply cannot match.

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