The Capital District Physicians Health Plan (CDPHP) has opened its first standalone retail pharmacy in Watervliet.
ConnectRx Hometown is one of the only retail pharmacies in the Capital Region that provides free home delivery to neighboring areas and residents.
One of those residents is Larry Macera.
“To have Michael and the gang up there, answering the phones as soon as you call them, they are saying, ‘Hello, how are you?” said Macera. “It’s just wonderful to have somebody that has a one-on-one relationship.”
With COVID-19 cases on the rise, Macera says the service could not come at a better time.
What You Need To Know
- CDPHP has opened its first standalone retail pharmacy in Watervliet
- ConnectRX is one of the only pharmacies in the region that provides free home delivery to surrounding areas
- The pharmacy delivers temperature-controlled, life-saving medications such as insulin
“I’m not getting any younger. I’m in my 70s now. Driving in and out of places, going in and out of stores, I try to limit it for me and my wife. So this delivery service is great,” Macera said.
Michael Bevilacqua, a delivery representative for the pharmacy, drops off prescriptions to areas throughout the Capital Region, including Albany, Schenectady, southern Saratoga County and western Rensselaer County.
“I can tell this is the highlight of their day, getting to talk to you, so it feels really good to help people out,” Bevilacqua said.
ConnectRx Hometown begins its service at a time when independent national chains are downsizing.
CVS Health announced it will close 900 stores to focus on a digital model, while Rite Aid plans to shutter 63 sites in the coming months.
“Having home delivery through our services allows us to go into those areas of a pharmacy desert, where there is no pharmacy and deliver those goods and services that were taken out of their neighborhood,” said Jeff Middendorf, director of pharmacy operations.
Middendorf hopes this localized approach to medicine will better serve patients.
“Being able to build a relationship with our mobile customer service reps gives them that one-on-one sense and an old-fashioned feel of pharmacy, where you walked in and you knew everyone behind the counter. Now, we’re coming to you and everyone that is delivering your prescriptions,” Middendorf said.
