Ron’s Apothecary Shoppe in Juneau closed after 50 years. The last day to fill prescriptions was Dec. 6.
The news caused some discomfort in Skagway, a community with a limited dispensary and no local pharmacy. Many locals relied on Ron’s to ship their medications through mail or via Seaplanes.
Ron’s transferred their patients’ prescriptions to Safeway Pharmacy in Juneau, which also absorbed all of Ron’s employees.
This week, Skagway resident John McDermott tried for two days to get through to Safeway Pharmacy. On the third day, he reached a pharmacist.
Another Skagway resident, Mark Larsen, was able to get through easily and start his prescription process, which he says will take many more phone calls.
Larsen: “…as with any pharmacy, have your medications and the medication names and the dosages at hand. Have that ready. And I guess just like any other situation living here in Skagway, be prepared to wait.”
Ron’s prescription ID numbers are no longer valid, so follow Larsen’s advice and have prescription name and dosage amount ready.
Skagway patients reported confusion over whether compound prescriptions would be available or if controlled medications, such as ADD prescriptions, could be shipped. Safeway Pharmacy could not be reached for comment.
The pharmacy closure also affects other small communities. Haines resident Diana Lapham was a Ron’s customer for over 20 years.
Lapham: “…I felt bad because I love Ron’s. Their customer service is excellent. And because we’ve done business there for so long, you know. But I also get it, that people need to retire and move on to different things. So you know, it’s a bittersweet emotion…”
Lapham said her transition to Safeway has been smooth and her medications arrived on the plane just before the recent storm.
One other Juneau pharmacy, Juneau Drug, also provides prescription mailouts and Seaplane service to Skagway.
