The University of Central Oklahoma pharmacy opened its doors for the last time on June 29.
The pharmacy, which was located in the Wellness Center, closed on June 30 due to its lack of use by UCO students, faculty and staff.
“The pharmacy student and staff utilization rate, coupled with the healthcare environment changes over the past two years, has forced University Health Services to evaluate current on-site pharmacy operations,” Dr. Jo McGuffin, Director of University Health Services, said.
“The UCO licensed pharmacy opened fall 2005. It had been located within the health center. In an effort to increase visibility, the pharmacy was relocated to the Wellness Center foyer in 2008,” McGuffin said.
“We take pride in providing excellent patient care within our university community. With that comes the responsibility to be good stewards of our resources,” McGuffin said.
Students who have academic health plans with the school should not be affected by the closing.
“No one should have to change insurance plans – Academic Health Plan (the student insurance), should honor same benefits to students using pharmacies off campus,” she said.
As of now, any other program will not replace the pharmacy. Students, faculty and staff needing to fill their prescriptions will be sent to other pharmacies.
“Local pharmacies that are equally convenient…can provide students greater value for their money and a greater scope of both prescription and over-the-counter medicines and products,” McGuffin said. “There are multiple pharmacies within a short distance of UCO.”
In addition, individuals who used pharmacy services will not have to worry about medical and/or prescription records being disclosed to other recipients.
“All medical records are kept confidential,” McGuffin said.
For those who have used the UCO pharmacy, prescriptions can be transferred.
“We welcome individual questions related to insurance. In addition, we can facilitate individual prescription transfers to the pharmacy of choice should anyone want us to do so,” McGuffin said.
Individuals who have questions regarding insurance policies or the transfer of prescriptions should contact Jeanne Parsons at 974-3117 or 3115.
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