SITKA – In order to limit close-contact and contamination during the threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) has introduced delivery and alternative pick-up options for pharmacy services in five communities. Patients in Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell, Haines and Klawock will no longer enter the premises to receive their prescriptions, streamlining pharmacy operations and creating a safe environment for patients and staff.
Once prescriptions are filled, pharmacy staff will contact patients for payment, if applicable. If located in Sitka or Wrangell, staff will coordinate delivery times and confirm addresses before offering delivery of prescriptions to your door. Patients in Sitka and Juneau have the option to receive prescriptions through the mail. If located in Wrangell, Juneau, Haines or Klawock, a curbside option is available in lieu of any patients entering our pharmacies during the pandemic.
“Implementation of delivery and drive-up options will benefit several areas in our pharmacy service,” said SEARHC Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Elliot Bruhl. “Through eliminating patient traffic, the risk of potential exposure to COVID-19 and contamination of our facilities is greatly reduced. In addition, our pharmacies could preserve personal protection equipment stock and eliminate the need of pre-screening patients entering the facility.”
These are part of Consortium-wide efforts to reduce unnecessary close-contact and facility contamination. SEARHC recently suspended elective and non-emergent services for optometry, dental, surgery, and patient travel. In recent weeks, SEARHC facilities have reduced entry points, mandated health screenings for all patients and staff, eliminated visitor access, and restricted patient accompaniment to one person in all service rooms.
For more information on alternative prescription delivery options, contact your local SEARHC pharmacy at the number listed below:
- Sitka – Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center Pharmacy – 907.966.8347
- Juneau – Ethel Lund Medical Center Pharmacy – 907.463.4031
- Wrangell – Alaska Island Community Services Pharmacy – 907.874.5005
- Klawock – Alicia Roberts Medical Center Pharmacy – 907.755.4943
- Haines – Haines Health Center Pharmacy – 907.766.6333