COLERAIN – Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center will officially cut the ribbon on the area’s newest pharmacy in Colerain on August 17.

The new pharmacy, which is located adjacent to Colerain Primary Care, fills a vital need for the Bertie County community.

The ribbon cutting and open house will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 109 River Street in Colerain and is open to the public.

“Patients have asked for this for quite some time. We’re excited to finally be able to provide pharmacy services. This pharmacy will serve both RCCHC patient and retail customers who are not our patients but have prescriptions written by other providers,” said Kim Schwartz, RCCHC, CEO.

The new Colerain Primary Care Pharmacy will also accept most major health insurance plans including Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Caremark, Express Scripts, TRICARE, and NC Medicaid.

“Not only will our patients and community be able to get their prescriptions here in Colerain, but having an in house pharmacy that gives a sliding fee scale to eligible patients of RCCHC for medication will be so critical,” said Al Goddard, Physician Assistant and the lead provider at Colerain Primary Care.

The new pharmacy will be managed by pharmacist Robbie Sawyer who has nearly 20 years experience in community pharmacy in Northeastern North Carolina.

“I am excited about being a part of the excellent health care team at Colerain Primary Care. As a clinically focused pharmacy, we will be able to work very closely with the patient, the provider and team to get the most effective, affordable prescriptions and be able to offer personal counseling for anyone filling a prescription here,” Sawyer added.

RCCHC, an FQHC since May, 2005, provides comprehensive primary care and pediatric services with locations in Ahoskie and Murfreesboro (Hertford County), Colerain (Bertie County), and Creswell (Washington County). As a designated community health and migrant center, RCCHC’s mission is to provide comprehensive care that reduces health disparities for the Roanoke Chowan area. Pediatric services are offered at RCCHC’s Ahoskie clinic Monday through Friday, and the Hertford County Student Wellness Center which operates during the school year and allows students to seek medical treatment without having to leave campus, reducing absenteeism and in turn keeping kids in the classroom giving them a greater chance to successfully complete curriculum requirements.

Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center is a not-for-profit organization, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, committed to providing quality service and comprehensive healthcare, regardless of the ability to pay, to meet the needs of the rural community, including the uninsured. RCCHC offers a sliding fee scale for their patients, as well as medication assistance programs. Evening clinics are available at all locations.