Blue Ridge Pharmacy Small Business of the Month

The Small Business of the Month, sponsored by FASTSIGNS, for November is Blue Ridge Pharmacy located at 948 Tunnel Rd. in Asheville. Blue Ridge Pharmacy was established in August, 2005 and has grown to employ 23 individuals. Blue Ridge Pharmacy is a community pharmacy filling prescriptions for customers, practicing the art of compounding to prepare unique and individualized medications which may no longer be commercially available, and serving as a specialty provider for long term care facilities in Western North Carolina. The pharmacists at Blue Ridge are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to ensure the availability of medication to facilities and to support hospice patients through CarePartners. The staff and employees support numerous community charities and non-profits.

Blue Ridge Pharmacy Expands

With a solid foundation in providing pharmacy services to extended care facilities, Blue Ridge Pharmacy has expanded their outreach and resources by bringing on a new Director of Sales and Marketing. “This move was well timed and thought through”, says owner Todd Tamplin. “We are fortunate to have hired Ben Wax, a resident of Asheville since the mid-70’s with strong ties to Western North Carolina”. Mr. Wax moved with his family to Highlands in 1956 from Baton Rouge, LA. He spent his high school years in Franklin before becoming a graduate from Mars Hill College. Ben’s been very involved in the community, spending many years with the City of Asheville as the Superintendent of Recreation, then as owner and operator of Freedom Escape Lodge in Weaverville.

Recently Mr. Wax had the opportunity to work extensively with family members developing a comprehensive long-term care business out of State and now brings that knowledge of pharmacy operations and marketing, coupled with an established network of contacts to Blue Ridge Pharmacy. “With the excellent reputation Blue Ridge has established and our new long-term care service facility coming on line, it’s an exciting time to be part of team that has an excellent reputation in the long-term care community serving WNC”.

Bell School Carnival a Success

Thanks to Mark Carlson for heading up our booth and representing Blue Ridge Pharmacy at the Bell School Carnival this fall. Even in the rain, Mark, Beth, Jenny and Wes sold 87 raffle tickets for our "Back to School Basket at $1 each (donated back to Bell school of course), while offering lemonade, hand sanitizer and BRP frig magnets to the masses in attendance. Mark even had an opportunity to address the crowd and talk a bit about "Your Neighborhood Pharmacy" while announcing our raffle winner.

The carnival offered us great exposure to potential retail clients. Thanks to everyone who volunteered for helping make BLUE RIDGE PHARMACY a stand out in the east Asheville community!

COURTYARD REHABILITATION AND NURSING CENTER SELECTS BLUE RIDGE PHARMACY FOR PHARMACEUTICAL SUPPORT

Asheville, NC – Courtyard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, an Asheville based skilled nursing and rehabilitation services facility announced that Blue Ridge Pharmacy has been selected as their provider of prescription and consulting services

“Courtyard is pleased to be working with a flexible regional provider like Blue Ridge Pharmacy,” said Administrator Tom Witcher RN, LNHA. “They offer expanded hours and delivery services that allow long-term care facilities to maintain reliable schedules and routines with patients. With a team of pharmacists on call, we know we’re covered if we get a new resident or have a prescription emergency.”

“We’re excited about our new relationship with Courtyard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center,” said Dean Clayton, Pharm D., co-owner of Blue Ridge Pharmacy and a Certified Geriatric Pharmacist. “We know our special qualifications in managing the complex pharmacological regimens and insurance issues encountered with older adults will be an asset to their programs and result in caretakers having more time to meet patient needs.”

Courtyard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is a 120 bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located at 455 Victoria Road in Asheville. They provide therapy to patients seven days a week and offer short term rehabilitation, as well as long term care. More information is available by calling 828-252-0099.

Blue Ridge Pharmacy is a locally owned company focused on bringing back the individualized service of the traditional neighborhood pharmacy. Using state-of-the-art technology, they offer full pharmaceutical services, including insurance management, custom “mortar and pestle” compounding for individualized needs, pet medications, and free delivery. They are specialists in managing long-term care facility programs and work with numerous health care organizations throughout Western North Carolina.

For more information, visit www.blueridgerx.com, call (828) 298-3636, or stop by their location at 948 Tunnel Road.

WES McCALL JOINS BLUE RIDGE PHARMACY

Asheville, NC  (May 30, 2008) – Blue Ridge Pharmacy announced today that Wes McCall, Pharm. D., has joined the locally owned company.

McCall is a native of Charlotte and a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy where he received the Outstanding Pharmacy Student Award for the highest measure of scholastic achievement in the pharmacy program and the Merck Award for scholastic achievements in pharmacy studies and noteworthy achievements in pharmacy practice.  Before joining Blue Ridge Pharmacy, he gained experience with a major retail/pharmacy chain in the Western North Carolina area.

Prior to entering pharmacy school, McCall worked for the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center as a biologist, where he co-authored several research articles.  Later, while at UNC, he continued to write and contributed a chapter on the pharmacokinetics of creatine to the book, Creatine Kinase in Health and Disease.

“We’re pleased to add Wes to our team,” said Blue Ridge Pharmacy co-owner, Todd Tamplin, R.Ph.  “He’s a top professional who enjoys the close personal relationships we have with our customers, so we know he’ll be a great asset to our company and our community.”

McCall says he feels right at home at Blue Ridge Pharmacy’s East Asheville location.

“In my experience at chain pharmacies, I missed the opportunity to build long-term friendships with the people I served,” said McCall.  “I like knowing my customers’ names and their situations.  Blue Ridge Pharmacy’s local community commitment gives me a chance to do that and, as a result, do a better job of helping my customers and their families live healthier lives.”

Blue Ridge Pharmacy is locally owned by a group of East Asheville pharmacists committed to providing a wide range of personalized health services that include, custom compounding, insurance filing, home healthcare supplies, and free delivery to their local community.  For more information, visit www.blueridgerx.com, call (828) 298-3636, or stop by 948 Tunnel Road in East Asheville.

LOCAL PHARMACY MEETING REGIONAL HEALTH & REHAB NEEDS

Beystone selects Blue Ridge Pharmacy for pharmaceutical support 

“Working with a locally based, hands-on provider like Blue Ridge Pharmacy allows facilities to be more proactive in their pharmaceutical planning,” said co-owner Todd Tamplin, R.Ph. “Before an individual is admitted, we review their medication regimen, evaluate possible interactions, assist with federal regulation compliance, and make necessary adjustments to minimize cost and ensure patient safety.” 

“Beystone has worked with several pharmaceutical providers and there are always hiccups during a service transition,” said Mike DeLoach, Owner/Administrator of Beystone Health & Rehabilitation. “With Blue Ridge Pharmacy, the process has been extremely smooth. Their top-notch consulting and after-hour service give us confidence in our ability to meet medication needs without interruption on nights, weekends and holidays.” 

In conjunction with their growing neighborhood retail operation on Tunnel Road, Blue Ridge Pharmacy offers high quality products and services for mass pharmaceutical distribution, including “compounded” medications, packaging systems, medical record management, family education, pharmacists on-call 24 hours a day and more – all with an emphasis on saving facilities time and money.

“Blue Ridge Pharmacy’s IV Therapy Program will meet the special needs of Beystone’s sub-acute patients with comprehensive antibiotic therapies, fluid hydration and pain management treatments,” said co-owner and Certified Geriatric Pharmacist Dean Clayton, PharmD. “We take pride in quality assurance, installing uniform dispensing programs, double-checking prescriptions and allowing care-takers more time to focus on their patients.”

Blue Ridge Pharmacy serves long-term care and specialty organizations throughout Western North Carolina, including Mountain Area Hospice, Brooks-Howell, Phoenix Outdoors, Blue Ridge Area Foundation, Stone Mountain School, SUWs of the Carolinas and Arbor Terrace. 

Beystone Health and Rehabilitation is an intimate 50-bed facility for physical, occupational and speech therapy. Originally built in the early 1960’s, Beystone is committed to providing a friendly setting for people to live and rehabilitate, while offering state-of-the-art equipment, ample therapy space and skilled personnel.

LOCAL PHARMACY MEETS REGIONAL NEEDS AT THE COUNTER & BEYOND

Area long-term care facilities receive full service with a personal touch

ASHEVILLE, NC – Assisted living residence Arbor Terrace recently selected Blue Ridge Pharmacy as their preferred provider for prescription support, consulting and educational services. Locally owned Blue Ridge Pharmacy is now serving more than 300 long-term care beds in Western North Carolina, meeting the growing pharmaceutical needs of area facilities and patients. 

“In a market typically dominated by large pharmaceutical conglomerates, Blue Ridge Pharmacy specializes in long-term care by offering a wide range of capabilities and a commitment to service that is virtually unmatched,” said co-owner Todd Tamplin, R.Ph.  “We do this by applying the same principles we use in our neighborhood pharmacy – we get to know our customers so we can better serve their needs.”     

Blue Ridge Pharmacy offers high quality products and services for mass pharmaceutical distribution, including “compounded” medications, complete packaging systems and pharmacists on-call 24 hours a day to ensure medication availability. 

“Providing for the needs of long-term care facilities is highly rewarding,” said co-owner and Certified Geriatric Pharmacist Dean Clayton, PharmD. “We work hand-in-hand with our partner facilities. Our flexible and personalized services provide direct and immediate benefits ultimately allowing care-takers more time with their patients.”   

Specialized support services provide assistance with regulatory compliance, continuing education, clinical support, family education, Medicare Part D, medical records management, automated billing systems and more – all with an emphasis on saving facilities time and money.

Blue Ridge Pharmacy serves long-term care and specialty organizations throughout Western North Carolina, including Mountain Area Hospice, Brooks-Howell, Phoenix Outdoors, Blue Ridge Area Foundation, Stone Mountain School, SUWs of the Carolinas and Arbor Terrace. 

Locally owned and operated Blue Ridge Pharmacy is also bringing back the neighborhood pharmacy with unsurpassed commitment to personal attention and a comprehensive array of professional services to meet the medication needs of residents and the greater community.  Whether delivering medication right to your door or practicing the modernized art of “mortar and pestle” compounding to individualize medication, Blue Ridge Pharmacy is dedicated to providing the highest quality products, services and information available.  For more information visit www.blueridgerx.com, call (828) 298-3636 or simply stop by 948 Tunnel Road.    

Pharmacy offers regional service

ASHEVILLE — Assisted living residence Arbor Terrace recently selected Blue Ridge Pharmacy as its preferred provider for prescription support, consulting and educational services.

Locally owned Blue Ridge Pharmacy serves long-term care and specialty organizations throughout Western North Carolina, including Mountain Area Hospice, Brooks-Howell, Phoenix Outdoors, Blue Ridge Area Foundation, Stone Mountain School and SUWS of the Carolinas.

“Providing for the needs of long-term care facilities is highly rewarding,” said Dean Clayton, co-owner and certified geriatric pharmacist. “We work hand in hand with our partner facilities.”

Blue Ridge Pharmacy offers products and services for mass pharmaceutical distribution, including compounded medications, packaging systems and pharmacists on call 24 hours a day.

Contact Michael Flynn at 828-232-2935 or via e-mail at mlflynn@ashevill.gannett.com.