YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Last edited 11:03 a.m., Feb. 15, 2024 [Editor's note: A comment from APO's executive director has been added.]
Grove Pharmacy has operated a location at AIDS Project of the Ozarks' 1636 S. Glenstone Ave. office since it was built seven years ago, and now, the nonprofit is taking over operations of the pharmacy.
The two organizations announced Tuesday afternoon on Facebook that APO is buying the Grove Pharmacy location on South Glenstone for undisclosed terms.
Grove Pharmacy owner Gary Grove said the South Glenstone facility's last day as Grove Pharmacy is scheduled Feb. 23. APO is taking over operations on Feb. 26. Grove said the pharmacist at the location is staying on board with APO.
"They wish to be more profitable, and they can by running their own pharmacy," Grove said. "APO's just a wonderful place."
The company's pharmacy and compounding lab at 3050 S. National Ave. will remain in operation under the Grove Pharmacy name, said Grove.
APO's Facebook post yesterday indicates the pharmacy's hours, delivery service and phone number would stay the same.
"Grove and APO are working together to ensure there will be no lapse in pharmacy services," the post reads. "Most of the same staff are remaining, so you will see the same folks that have served you for years."
APO Executive Director Lynne Meyerkord said via email that the deal represents a move in the right direction for the nonprofit.
“APO is heavily reliant on the 340B pharmacy program and has utilized Grove Pharmacy as our contract pharmacy for over 10 years. Pharmaceutical companies are placing increasing restrictions on contract pharmacies, due in part to the pressures placed on them by pharmacy benefit managers,” Meyerkord said. “APO has lost money because of this and the best path forward for our future is to have our own pharmacy.
“Grove has been a consistent, supportive partner since the beginning the 1980s, and we are very appreciative of the partnership we have had.”
APO's South Glenstone office was built in 2017 by O’Reilly Build LLC, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. APO also has an office downtown at 303 Park Central West.
Grove Pharmacy was founded in 1952 by Grove’s parents, Donald and Lucille Grove, according to SBJ archives. The company added compounding in 1995.
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