JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As Hurricane Dorian approaches, businesses of all kinds face a difficult decision: attempt to stay open or close, losing a day of business.
That decision is even more difficult for those in the healthcare profession, who are charged with keeping customers safe at all times -- hurricane or not. While pharmacies have made it easier for patients to get refills before Hurricane Dorian strikes, they still have a responsibility.
This goes for all pharmacies -- big or small.
“We have to supply the needs of our patients as a pharmacist. We have to be here," said Rebecca Mitchell, pharmacy clerk at Owen's Pharmacy in Riverside.
The 87-year old, locally-owned and operated pharmacy was busy early Tuesday morning, finalizing customer pick-up ahead of Dorian's Tuesday evening arrival.
Mitchell also delivers for home-bound patients. While their distributor in Valdosta was unsure if it would be able to deliver to Jacksonville before the storm, Mitchell and her fellow Owen's employees promised to stay and deliver to their customers, so long as no one's safety was compromised.
“They’re like family," Mitchell said. "They know you by name. We’re not a number. They’re not a number for sure – I know them by name.”
Owen's was largely unaffected by Hurricanes Matthew and Irma. And, much like this week, they stayed until they absolutely couldn't any longer.
"‘Cause we’re here to service our people," Mitchell said.
Larger pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, either closed early or were closed entirely Tuesday. Several had signs on their doors saying they would return to normal operations on Thursday, when Dorian is expected to pass.
CVS Pharmacy had taken several steps over the past few days to ensure customers picked up prescriptions ahead of time. It also activated a process that allows pharmacists to provide one-time, emergency refills of 10-days for those affected by Hurricane Dorian.
Call your local pharmacy ahead of time to ensure their status during this storm.