Feature Article from The Whitewater Press - Summer/ Fall 2010  www.thewhitewaterpress.com

By Donna Wright ~ Whitewater Press Staff Writer

~ Reynolds Pharmacy ~

It’s a great feeling knowing someone out there is looking out for you.  That’s the business of Dan Reynolds of Whitewater’s Reynolds’ Pharmacy, 175 West Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin.

I like to think that I’m not a complete idiot when it comes to health care.  I did spend 20 years working in the medical industry, including filling prescriptions for patients myself.  Yet, I once had a close call with a possible prescription interaction, I would never have caught without my pharmacist being on the ball. 

Depending on the source, about 50 percent of people are taking their prescription medications wrong. Each year, over 1.5 million Americans are injured—that we know of—by taking prescriptions incorrectly, according to MSNBC.

Reynolds takes his responsibility very seriously.  He always has to be on the ball, including spotting people trying to fill fraudulent prescriptions, which he’s had his share of.

Reynolds’ career has been devoted to the well being of the people of Whitewater ever since he opened his first pharmacy in Downtown in 1986.  In 2005, he moved his store to the west side of Whitewater.

He’s become a member of his customers’ lives.  Their family photographs even hang on the wall at the store.  His face is a staple at Whitewater sporting events.

“When someone comes in, we know them,” he said. “We know their faces, their histories, their families, their situations.“

“I have come in early, on weekends, holidays, stayed late, you name it over the years. That’s what I’m here for.”

Hometown pharmacies are becoming less of a normal hometown sight.  Between big box stores and mail order prescription insurance rules, they’re fighting for survival.

I know, I would much rather have my prescriptions overseen by someone who has my whole history and knows me, rather than a stranger in a faraway distribution plant.

Regarding the savings claims of some larger pharmacies versus locally owned and operated pharmacies, Reynolds’ can match those, he says.

“Prices are all the same,” he said.

The same, that is, except that more of the customers’ money goes back into the local community, if it’s spent at a locally owned business.

Even if you’re an out-of-towner, Reynolds’ is there for you too.  Say you realize you’ve left your prescription at home or it gets lost on the boat.  Don’t panic!
 
“I can help out in any emergency.” Dan said. “We can call your home pharmacy and get what you need, usually while you wait.”

Dan and his staff get a lot of thank you and fan mail.  There’s not a recommendation stronger than a heartfelt note from a customer, who becomes a friend during trying times.  The people at Reynolds’ Pharmacy are inspired by the kind words of their customers, are grateful for the chance to be of help and for the encouragement and support of the people of Whitewater.  After almost 25 years of helping families,  Dan is as excited as ever to see you walk in the door!