November/December 2001 Living Now
Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy Opens Doors In Portland

Pharmacy Offers Traditional and Natural Medicine Products and Services to Community

Boulder, CO – Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, a distinctive retail concept integrating traditional and natural medicine products and services, has opened its doors in the former Town Pharmacy on 2334 W. Burnside Street. Statistics show that the neighborhood pharmacy is disappearing faster than the family farm, knocked out by big box chain stores. Pharmaca’s mission is to incorporate concern for the vitality of the neighborhood, community and the environment by preserving local pharmacies.

“We have borrowed heavily from the European model that draws together modern prescription medicine and traditional herbs and homeopathics under one roof” said Russell Precious, Pharmaca vice president. It is this balance between new and old, a commitment to best patient care, strong focus on wellness and dedication to community involvement that makes Pharmaca a viable business-model.

The Town Pharmacy remained open throughout the three-month renovation process to continue serving the prescription needs of its customers. The Pharmaca renovation process included creating an interior that is a “healing space” for both customers and employees. Distinctive store features include private booths for individual consultations with professional staff members, a reference library where shoppers can enjoy herbal teas, and access health information via computer or print sources. With a staff that includes registered pharmacists, naturopaths, herbalists, nutritionists, homeopaths and cosmetologists, Pharmaca promises to deliver an exceptionally high level of professional service. Former owner of the Town Pharmacy, Jim Birch, will be staying on with Pharmaca as lead pharmacist.

“We intend for each of our Pharmaca sites to be a resource for the community,” said Barry Perzow, President and co-CEO of Pharmaca. “Our store should be a destination for customers seeking science-based information about prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, nutritional and herbal supplements, drug/nutrient depletion issues, and drug/herbal interactions.”

Demonstrating its commitment to the Portland community, Pharmaca has supported Nancy Lee’s Diner in its relocation process and is donating $10 to the Raphael House for every customer that transfers a prescription to the pharmacy.

Nancy Lee’s diner, formerly the fountain in the Town Pharmacy, has relocated to 2114 NW Glissan St. During the relocation, Russell Precious of Pharmaca volunteered to consult with Nancy Lee on design ideas for the new diner. “The old fountain felt like a galley,” said Lee. “The Diner now feels like a real restaurant and it has twice as much square footage and seating. With Russell’s help, I was able to spiff up and personalize this place so that all of my customers still feel comfortable.”

Raphael House has been serving battered women and children since 1977, becoming Oregon’s most comprehensive domestic violence intervention agency. Raphael House provides programs including children’s programming, a 24-hour crisis line, case management, an emergency shelter, and transitional housing programs for battered women. “Pharmaca’s financial commitment to our organization enables us to continue giving women and children the opportunity to build a self-sufficient life, free from violence,” said Lynn Allmeyer, director of development and community relations.

Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, Boulder, Colo., is a private company integrating traditional and natural medicine products and services in a distinctive, high-quality retail environment. The company opened its flagship store in Boulder on Nov. 20, 2000, and opened its third store today, Oct. 5, 2001, in Portland.