Preserving and Continuing a 72-Year Local Legacy

Spanning seven decades, the story of Grove Pharmacy is one steeped in family, innovation, and unwavering dedication to serving the needs of its patrons.

The roots of Grove Pharmacy trace back to 1952 when Don and Lucille Grove established the first pharmacy in the Woodruff building in downtown Springfield. “My parents started it in 1952,” reflected Gary Grove, president of Grove Pharmacy, with a hint of pride in his voice. Over the years, the pharmacy has become a testament to the familial bond within the Grove family, with a lineage of pharmacists spanning generations. “We have a lot of pharmacists in our family,” shared Grove.

One of the cornerstones of Grove Pharmacy’s success lies in its compounding lab, a specialty not all pharmacies can boast. “Compounding is the customization of medications to fit your specific needs, and to find a solution for you,” explained Shade Piper, Pharmacist and Director of the compounding lab at Grove Pharmacy.  “We make all sorts of compounds, including lozenges, drops, and topical creams and gels,” explained Grove, shedding light on the diverse array of services offered, from specialized medication for pets to a wide variety of hormone therapies for men and women to numbing creams for cosmetic procedures. Piper was instrumental in the development and formulation of semaglutide into sublingual form for drops that work the same way as weight loss injectables. “I love hearing the success stories of patients that have lost the stubborn weight and feel better and healthier,” said Piper. “I am a problem solver, and it is rewarding to make a direct impact on individual’s health.” The dedication of those in the compounding lab is a testament to the pharmacy’s adaptability and commitment to meeting the unique needs of the community.

But Grove stressed that Grove Pharmacy isn’t just about filling prescriptions. “We have always been committed to fostering a culture of care,” he said, underscoring the pharmacy’s role as a health care ally. Grove Pharmacy offers MedSync, which, as the name implies, syncs up prescription fill dates so patients who are on multiple medications only have to make one trip or have one delivery per month instead of making serval trips or getting several deliveries throughout the month. The pharmacy also has two drive-up windows and designated pickup spots in the parking lot to be able to meet customers’ accessibility needs and time constraints. “We try to go above and beyond to ensure convenience and accessibility for our customers,” said Grove. “We want to meet everyone where they are.”

Gary Grove said that no matter what, Grove Pharmacy will remain steadfast in its commitment to the community. “We’ve been open 72 years, and I don’t see us ever closing,” said Grove, emphasizing the pharmacy’s enduring presence in the community and the many family members who are committed to the profession and the family legacy. With a locally owned and operated ethos and a family of pharmacists guiding its path, the legacy of Grove Pharmacy seems highly likely to endure.