It took a lot of pharmaceutical tenacity, but Jeff Williams opened his doors at
Williams Pharmacy in November.

Located in the Rendezvous Center, the new pharmacy provides a much-
needed service to the Mountain community.

“It’s always hard to get started, but we’ve made great progress,” Williams
said. “We got going a little late (of original plans for September-October), but
we’re now here to serve our Mountain customers.”

How big a deal is it? Besides the convenience, consider cost savings. Prior to
Williams, a drive to Sandy for Walgreens or Fred Meyer is approximately 40
miles round trip. Applying government rates for operating a vehicle, that
journey costs in the (high rent) neighborhood of $22. At two trips a month,
that’s more than $400 a year.

That’s a big deal.

Plus, it’s an easy transition to Williams Pharmacy for your medications.
“For a new prescription, your doctor links it electronically to us,” Williams said.
“Or, the doctor can fax us the prescription, or the patient can hand carry the
prescription.”

For refills, it’s just as easy.

“Hand the bottle or list of prescriptions to us, and we call Fred Meyer or
Walgreens and get them to transfer the prescription,” Williams said.

The new pharmacist also dispelled a common myth.

“When it comes to pricing, we are equal when it comes to co-pays, and we
match or are lower in cost when it comes to cash transactions,” he said.

“Saying people save money, and that big stores are cheaper, is simply not the
case.”

Over-the-counter medications are also available, including most of the basics
like headache remedies and cough syrup, Williams said, adding this is an area
that will grow as the pharmacy moves forward.

The immunization effort has been a great success, with 60 to 70 already
provided for Mountain customers.

“Not only that, the stores in Sandy ran out of flu vaccine,” Williams said. “We
didn’t. And they charge $28, we charge $20.”

Providing this service has been an ordeal that forced Williams to jump through
hoops for nearly two years.

“It’s been worth it,” he said, flashing a broad smile that must be a
requirement for a local pharmacist. “We are community oriented, and we’re
here to serve that community.”

For Mountain residents, this is indeed an easy pill to swallow.