New establishment opens its doors in Chippewas of the Thames First Nation

May 23, 2019
Pharmasave team running the Pharmacy on site at Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) Chipppewas of the Thames First Nation site. Photo supplied.

By Shirley Honyust

CHIPPEWAS OF THE THAMES FIRST NATION—Congratulations are in order for Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) and the newly opened Pharmasave Drug Store, who officially opened their doors next door to SOAHAC site in Chippewa of the Thames (COTT) on April 30.

This “soft opening” was by invitation only to bring together the owners, staff and representative staff of Pharmasave, COTT, Munsee Delaware Nation; Oneida of the Thames and other First Nations in Southwest Ontario, to visit the store, meet the staff, and see a sample of what merchandise will be available to customers.

The independent owners of Pharmasave are a team that previously opened a store in Six Nations. The team includes: owner Brian General; Susan McNaughton; Randy Sears and Danielle Greenfield.

“My mission for this store is to supplement the health care needs of SOAHAC clients and to build relationships with the surrounding communities focusing on supporting the youth, especially those involved in sports and other youth activities,” expressed General. “And to encourage our staff to work hand-in-hand with the Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Physiotherapist and Registered Nurses at SOAHAC.”

The SOAHAC is an innovative, Aboriginal specific, Indigenous informed health care agency that provides a combination of health and social services to First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in the southwest region of Ontario. Because of the many functions of the SOAHAC, there are multiple benefits to having a business on this particular site. Some of the benefits this new store provides includes: an elevated level of service to clients and nearby First Nations in the catchment area; customers from small towns such as Melbourne and Mount Brydges may bring their business there to have prescriptions filled or pick up a few drug store items.

“In a few weeks, we will be having a Grand Opening celebration inviting everyone and including a barbeque for community members!” added General.