The prescription has been written for a Mountain pharmacy. It will be filled by
late June or early July.

Jeff Williams is an eight-year resident of the Mountain, and a semi-retired
pharmacist. That status is about to change.

“I could stay retired and spend my time looking at the ocean,” Williams said.
“But I have to drive an hour to get a prescription filled for my wife (Dianne).
And if there’s an emergency, that’s not right.”

Williams Pharmacy will be located in the Rendezvous Center, the specific spot
to be announced later, according to Williams.

Planning for the pharmacy has been an ongoing project for more than a year.
The Villages at Mt. Hood, spearheaded by board director George Wilson, has
been a major player in the process.

“I am thrilled about the new pharmacy. The countless hours committed to this
project have finally paid off,” Wilson said. “I congratulate Dr. Jeff Williams and
his wife, Dianne, on their new venture, and for making our community
stronger and much more sustainable.”

The licensing process is ongoing, Williams said. “Things are moving along very
quickly (pharmacy board and FDA applications). And we have to apply to our
distributors, place orders and hook up our computers. But we don’t anticipate
any snags.”

Williams Pharmacy will be a full-service facility, including prescription and
over-the-counter drugs, health products, crutches and wheelchairs.

“But we will also focus on alternative care products,” Williams said. “There will
be alternative options to drugs, such as products and information for aroma
therapy, massage therapy and occupational therapy.”

The pharmacy will also provide flu shots, immunizations for back-to-school
and kindergarten children, and tetanus shots for all members of the
community.

Pharmacists are now licensed to immunize the public, and Williams is one of
those.

“This will bring urgent care and more hands-on treatment to the Mountain,”
he said.

The Williams Pharmacy approach to health care is multi-dimensional.

“My clinical education has not only been in classical pharmacy, but also in
alternative methods,” Williams said. “We will support all methods which are
beneficial to the individual. Our pledge to our patients is one of personal care.

We will make ourselves available to discuss the needs and questions of each
patient ... especially our elderly, disabled and less fortunate.”

Wilson cited the support of the community for making the Williams Pharmacy
a reality, as well as the tireless efforts of the Villages Board.

“I am proud to be a member of the Villages Board of Directors when we are
part of something substantial to improving the standard of living for all those
who live and visit our Mountain communities,” Wilson said. “Please make it a
point to stop in and get to know your new local pharmacist. You’ll be glad you
did. He’s a really good guy and the perfect man for the job.”