That’s why they’re proud to welcome patients, employees and community members to the new CGH Hometown Pharmacy, opening Wednesday, September 23rd at 4 W. 3rd Street in Sterling. CGH Hometown Pharmacy is open to everyone – you do not need to be a CGH patient.
Located next to the CGH Vision Center, CGH Hometown Pharmacy offers full-service pharmacy care with the added convenience of a drive-thru. The pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., making it easy to pick up prescriptions after an appointment, on the way home from work or while running errands.
The opening comes at a time when access to convenient, timely pharmacy services has become increasingly challenging for some patients in the Sauk Valley. Staffing pressures, limited pharmacy hours, longer wait times and medication availability challenges can make filling prescriptions more difficult. Recognizing the need for another reliable pharmacy option, CGH undertook the significant task of developing a new, full-service retail pharmacy.
Bringing CGH Hometown Pharmacy from concept to reality required extensive planning and coordination, from construction and technology to licensing, medication procurement, staffing and pharmacy operations. To support the development and operation of the pharmacy, CGH contracted with Cencora, a global pharmaceutical solutions organization with extensive experience working with hospitals and health systems.
“Opening a retail pharmacy was a monumental undertaking, but it is also an important investment in our community,” said Dr. Paul Steinke, President and CEO of CGH Medical Center. “We recognized an opportunity to help address a growing need in the Sauk Valley. By opening CGH Hometown Pharmacy and contracting with Cencora’s experienced pharmacy professionals, we can provide another convenient option for medications while creating a more connected experience for the patients and communities we serve.”
CGH Hometown Pharmacy is staffed by local pharmacy professionals employed by Cencora, providing access to specialized pharmacy expertise and resources. These professionals can coordinate prescriptions and medication questions with healthcare providers both within and outside of CGH Medical Center. For CGH patients, integration with the same electronic medical record provides an additional connection between the pharmacy and their CGH care team. All pharmacy personnel are employed by Cencora and are not employees of CGH Medical Center.
CGH Hometown Pharmacy is focused on providing excellent service, high-quality products and expert knowledge for patients’ pharmacy needs. Cencora pharmacy professionals will offer medication therapy management and can help patients explore options to make prescriptions more affordable. A personalized pharmacy loyalty program provides additional discounts and cost-saving opportunities on eligible prescriptions, whether patients have prescription insurance or are paying out of pocket.
Other services and conveniences include prescription transfers, 90-day supplies for qualifying medications, auto-refill and medication synchronization programs, immunizations and vaccinations, as well as a small selection of over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, first aid supplies and everyday health and wellness essentials.
Most major prescription insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid are accepted. Cencora pharmacy professionals can also assist with questions about coverage, prior authorizations, copays and available cost-saving options.
Whether leaving a medical appointment, being discharged from the hospital or simply looking for a convenient hometown pharmacy, CGH Hometown Pharmacy provides another local option for managing medications while extending CGH’s commitment to accessible, connected and personal healthcare throughout the Sauk Valley.
To learn more, visit www.cghmc.com/pharmacy or call 815-632-5371.
