Good medicine abounds at Swinomish these days.
A new pharmacy, sought by tribal members to fill the void created when La Conner Drug Store closed two years ago, opened Jan. 12 in the Swinomish Health Clinic at the corner of Snee-Oosh and Reservation roads.
Staffed by pharmacists Michael Lawrence and Meekyung Joo and pharmacy technician Kimberly Hosmer Lund, the pharmacy meets the needs of Swinomish patients and clients five days a week.
Pharmacist Michael Lawrence likes working for tribal health because instead of saying no when insurance won’t cover something, “We get to say yes all the time,” he says.
The staff can set up profiles, answer questions and coordinate appointments with providers. Other than controlled medications, Swinomish Pharmacy can process new prescriptions authorized by clinic providers. The pharmacy team can also offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions.
Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 6 p.m. Friday hours are 8 a.m.- noon and 1 to 5:30 p.m. The pharmacy is closed Saturdays and Sundays.
The location is conveniently located for Swinomish Health Clinic patients in that they are now just a few steps – rather than a few miles drive – from having their prescriptions filled.
“It’s definitely a convenient arrangement to have everything under one roof,” said Lawrence, a Lake Stevens resident in nearby Snohomish County.
He earned his pharmacy degree at the University of Montana, whose program focuses in great measure on rural and underserved populations.
Lawrence has specialized in the tribal health care field for several years.
“I love working with the tribal community and serving Swinomish citizens,” he said.
While the pharmacy now serves tribal members only, there might come a time when service will be expanded to non-tribal customers.
“I think it’s something that (Swinomish) leadership would be interested in exploring at some point,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence said prescription deliveries might be on the horizon as well.
“We would like to implement deliveries some time in the future,” he confirmed.
The pharmacy’s soft opening has gone well.
“So far, everyone’s been happy with everything,” Lawrence said.
That includes the staff. Take Hosmer Lund, for instance. She was working at another pharmacy in Skagit County and happened to take a phone call one day from Joo.
The conversation morphed from pharmaceutical matters to an invitation for Hosmer Lund to come aboard at Swinomish Pharmacy. She’s glad she did.
As for Lawrence, he’s in the process of moving here. He, Joo and Hosmer Lund share a sense of mission when it comes to launching the tribal pharmacy.
Their next step is a formal grand opening scheduled for Feb. 9 during business hours.
For more about pharmacy services, call 360-588-3471 or stop by the second floor of the Swinomish Health Clinic at 17400 Reservation Road.
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.
