Customer Service, Customization, and Community
Since ancient times, the local apothecary has been considered one of the primary places to seek medical advice and assistance. The need for such a trusted healthcare resource still exists today, and the town of Lexington is privileged to claim three of these locally owned, patient-centric businesses: Medicine Mart, My Pharmacy and Optical, and Riley’s Drugs.
Medicine Mart
In 1986, Pharmacist Johnny Matheny first opened Medicine Mart of Lexington “with the goal of providing personalized pharmacy services to the residents of Lexington and the surrounding communities,” said current owner, Pharmacist Michael Gleaton.
Nearly 30 years later, “I purchased the pharmacy and looked to build on the foundation already in place. We developed many relationships with patients, providers, senior living facilities, manufacturers, and other organizations that have allowed us to provide pharmacy care in many unique ways,” he said.
Described by Dr. Gleaton as a “traditional community pharmacy that serves the general Midlands area,” he also said that “our employees and customer service set us apart. We have a highly trained and dedicated staff whose goal is to provide the best possible pharmacy experience. We like to know our patients by name, be prompt with our service, and find solutions to the problems our patients may face.”
Like many traditional pharmacies, Medicine Mart stocks a variety of customary supplies in-house; sells medical equipment such as mobility, safety, and bathing aids; and offers prescription-based products and medications. Occasionally, a patient will need a medication that is difficult to find, and when this happens, Medicine Mart will communicate with their extensive network of suppliers and attempt to fill that special order within 24 hours.
Additionally, the pharmacy extends “many other services that allow our patients to get the most value out of the pharmacy,” said Dr. Gleaton. For example, they will deliver pharmacy orders to private homes and long-term care facilities. Prescription and over-the-counter medications can be purchased as MedSmart packs, a system that organizes the dosages in user-friendly packets to enhance medication adherence. An assortment of vaccinations and immunizations can be requested on-site without an appointment, and staff will also schedule a private flu-shot clinic at local nursing homes or businesses. Moreover, Medicine Mart offers one-on-one consultations with knowledgeable pharmacists when a patient has a question or concern about a medication or an illness.
Because “Medicine Mart provides personalized care that fits the current and future needs of our patients,” said Dr. Gleaton, “We are always looking to add more services and products.” As an example, he mentions that they currently offer certified diabetes education and have “other clinical services in the works.”
To find out more about Medicine Mart of Lexington and explore their diverse array of amenities, customers can drop by during regular business hours at their storefront at 348 Columbia Avenue in Lexington or visit their website.
My Pharmacy and Optical
Although a newcomer to the community, “My Pharmacy and Optical stands out as a dedicated, community-oriented business that prioritizes personalized care, exceptional service, and innovative health solutions,” said pharmacist and owner, Brent Munnerlyn.
“In today’s fast-paced world, where convenience often overshadows quality, there is a growing need to emphasize the importance of supporting local, independent pharmacies,” he said. “At My Pharmacy and Optical, we believe that patient safety and well-being come first.”
“Customer service is another cornerstone of our business,” added Dr. Munnerlyn. “As a local pharmacy, we are committed to providing you with prompt, attentive, and friendly service. We know our customers by name and are here to answer any questions, guide you through your health journey, and ensure that every experience with us is seamless and positive.”
The certified staff of My Pharmacy and Optical offer personalized consultations and health-related education to their clientele. The resultant customized services ensure that patient care is their main priority, especially regarding medication accuracy and safety. “We take the time to understand your health needs, providing you with comprehensive advice on managing your prescriptions, and overall health,” said Dr. Munnerlyn.
The unique medical amenities the pharmacy offers attest to their commitment to providing patient-centric services. For example, to promote accessibility to healthcare, they extend free home deliveries of medication and health products to their customers. The pharmacy is also “a full-service provider for immunizations and health testing services,” said Dr. Munnerlyn. “Whether you need a flu shot, COVID-19 testing, or any other vaccine, we ensure a quick and convenient process that is safe for you and your family.”
“One of our standout services is our state-of-the-art pill packaging system powered by RxSafe,” he added. With this pharmacy automation system, patient’s medications are pre-sorted and packaged in individual doses to simplify “complex medication schedules for patients who need to take multiple prescriptions.” As “an added layer of safety and convenience for our customers,” this process reduces the risk of missed or incorrect dosages and helps to ensure that medication schedules are followed carefully.
Furthermore, My Pharmacy and Optical has the most comprehensive and extensive discount medication program in the state. “We understand the financial burden healthcare can place on families,” said Dr. Munnerlyn, “so we have designed this program to ensure our customers can access the medications they need at prices that won’t break the bank.”
“We invite you to experience the difference a local, independent pharmacy can make in your life,” he concluded. “Visit us at 808 US Hwy 378 in Lexington or visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can support your health journey.”
Riley’s Drugs
For more than 100 years, Riley’s Drugs, located at 1207 West Main Street, has been serving the Lexington area. Since her youth, Roberta Vining, the current pharmacist and owner, worked for her father, Dr. Robert Perry, who was hired in 1967 by Dr. Sid Riley, the business’s founder.
“With it being our 100th anniversary,” Dr. Vining said, “I have been thinking a lot about how grateful we are. I don’t feel like I can express enough gratitude for the support of the people of Lexington and the surrounding communities.”
“I just love being able to take care of people,” she said, “and we have been honored to do that. That is exactly how Dr. Riley started—he took care of the people in the Mill Village, and I love that concept.”
Each member of the hand-picked staff of this family-oriented business “really cares,” said Dr. Vining. “We take care of our staff, so they can take care of our patients, and then the patients take care of the community.”
As a locally owned business, “We give you personal attention and personalized service,” she said. In addition to providing traditional amenities like medications (for humans and pets), medical equipment, immunizations, custom compounding, and RileysPak, their medication packaging service, Dr. Vining said they also operate as “the hub to connect all your providers.”
Although traditionally associated with providing medication, “The future of pharmacy is going to be even more about patient care,” Dr. Vining said. “We are the most accessible healthcare provider, and you do not have to have an appointment to come in and see us. We are a good starting point for what you might need, and I see the pharmacist role expanding into more clinically oriented services.”
Furthermore, because Riley’s is not part of a franchise, “We make decisions autonomously for ourselves, and we can pivot when we need to,” she explained. “COVID is the best example of that I can think of. We could service our patients in the most responsible, accessible, and safe way.”
Riley’s “attention to individual detail” is paramount. “We approach each patient individually and are not ‘cookie cutter’. We can customize and adapt to whatever the needs of the patient are,” said Dr. Vining. “We offer solutions—even if we don’t have an obvious solution or an obvious answer, we try to research and find a solution for whatever the patient is interested in.”
To find out more about the services of Riley’s Drugs, visit them in person or connect online.
“I look at Riley’s drugs and what we do here as a ministry,” Dr. Vining concluded, “and I feel very thankful that we are in that position. I know I am in the right place, and I am so grateful to be able to serve.”