Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
BEDFORD – Lincoln Plaza Pharmacy and Lincoln Plaza in Bedford are under new ownership.
Ralph Anderson, a long-time pharmacist in Bedford sold Lincoln Plaza real estate and pharmacy to Ryan and Tina Engleking, owners of Engleking Rx. The sale keeps the independent pharmacy in the northside area of Bedford.
The expansion takes Engleking Rx to three pharmacies. The Englekings also own pharmacies in Mitchell and Marengo.
Engleking said his interest in purchasing the adjoining real estate/retail center stemmed from the opportunity to offer a multitude of health services in one place.
Southern Indiana Community Health Care will open a clinic in the space that was previously occupied by the pharmacy. SICHC, which is based in Orange County, will have about five providers to serve patients.
“To have SICHC operate a medical clinic here within the plaza and having the pharmacy here, solidifies quality community health care in one location,” Engleking said.
SICHC is currently operating in Bedford from a temporary location on Q Street and expects to move to the Lincoln Plaza location this fall.
Honoring a legacy
As reported by BedfordOnline, Anderson and Engleking met in 2015 at a pharmacy ownership conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Anderson mentored Engleking about starting his own independent pharmacy.
Engleking opened the Mitchell pharmacy in 2017.
“I am thrilled to see Engleking Rx taking over Lincoln Plaza as Ryan truly understands the importance of keeping independent pharmacies operating within our communities,” said Anderson. “We have worked hard on this transition to ensure the continuation and growth of quality healthcare services in Bedford and the surrounding area.”
“I am honored to continue the legacy of Lincoln Plaza and build upon Ralph’s excellent work by providing quality and accessible healthcare services to the community,” Engleking said.
Lincoln Plaza Pharmacy has a new drive-thru for prescription pickup and Engleking said the pharmacy will expand its services to include vaccinations and medication adherence packaging, which makes it easier for patients to follow medication dosage instructions.
In addition, the pharmacy will offer vitamin and supplement consultation as well as a wide selection of vitamins.
As an independent pharmacy owner, Engleking said the focus is on patients.
“Chain (pharmacies) have to answer to the stockholders of the corporation. We answer to the patient and look at personalization of patient care and pharmacy care,” he said. “We work to do what’s best for our community and our patients.”
Pharmacy hours
Lincoln Plaza Pharmacy, 619 Lincoln Ave., is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The pharmacy is staffed by one pharmacist and four pharmacy technicians.