New pharmacy close to opening

From special reports



A new pharmacy is expected to open in DeKalb sometime in December, filling a void left when the Fred's Pharmacy closed in October.

Proxsys Rx, which is based in Birmingham, in collaboration with Rush Health Systems, has announced it will be opening a new community pharmacy. Craig Hitt, executive director of the Kemper County EDA, said the pharmacy will be located in the old Fred's location.

It will be known as Stennis Community Pharmacy. The business will focus on providing high quality personal service for DeKalb and Kemper County. There is currently no pharmacy in Kemper County at this time and residents have to travel to Philadelphia or Meridian to have their prescriptions filled.

"The healthcare needs in the communities we serve remain our number one focus; providing timely and convenient access to care is vital to meeting those needs. These expanded pharmacy services fill a critical community need and further Rush's mission of providing quality medical care, innovation, and service to others," said Larkin Kennedy, president/CEO, Rush Health Systems.

Rush Health Systems has already successfully partnered with pharmacy developer Proxsys Rx in Meridian.

"This new pharmacy ensures residents of Kemper County will not have to travel far from home to access their prescriptions, and patients who are in the hospital will have access to a new option in pharmacy service," added Scott Vincent, administrator of John C. Stennis Memorial Hospital.

The Proxsys Rx Bedside Prescription Delivery program will be offered through John C. Stennis Memorial Hospital. It provides patients with one-to-one prescription drug counseling and prescription drug fulfillment along with arrangements for refills and other customized services that help patients stay on track with their medicines. The program has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of hospital readmissions.

Johnny Whitsett, president of the Kemper County board of supervisors, welcomes the new business to Kemper County.

"This was much needed," Whitsett said. "Kemper County needs a pharmacy for its residents and we are glad they are coming."