Town members gathered Thursday evening to not only hear the strategic three year plan of Sampson Regional Medical Center, but to express the town’s desire for a local pharmacy to CEO David Masterson.

Because it is “Sampson Regional Medical Center” and not “Clinton City Medical Center,” Masterson revealed that he is going around to the municipalities to meet with the residents that the hospital serves.

While meeting the Garland town residents, Masterson took the opportunity to present the 2010-2012 strategic outline for the hospital.

“With the economy as it is,” Masterson asked the attending town folk, “where do we need to be? What are our priorities?”

According to Masterson, with the hospital’s budget beginning on Oct. 1, the board is utilizing the summer to develop a budget plan, one that he says will consume a three year slot.

“How many times do you here, ‘We don’t have the money for that.’ So, we developed a three year plan because who knows what will happen five years from now?”

As far as a Garland pharmacy, mayor Anthony Johnson voiced to Masterson, “As a town, we have property available, and we are willing to work with anyone that wants to come in here.”

Because the Garland citizens are having to drive roughly 15 miles to fill prescriptions, he said, having a local establishment would help the situation for those unable to make the trip.

Garland Senior Center director Marie Faircloth chimed in, “I live in Clinton, but I am concerned about the people in Garland. I see how bad people here need a pharmacy. It would be very helpful here.”

Unfortunately Masterson responded that SRMC is a not-for-profit hospital; meaning, they physically cannot open a pharmacy there; however, he did suggest working with local pharmacists.

Faircloth, who currently is able to pick up medication for some of the seniors wondered if it would be possible to do this for all that needed it.

Commissioner Denise Toler then revealed, “Some people in Garland are charging $20 to take people to go get their medications.”

“Our best bet would be to work with local pharmacies like Matthews or Clinton Drug. Have you approached them?” Masterson asked Johnson.

“Not them,” he answered adding that he has approached larger conglomerates like CVS and Walgreens who, he said, frown on coming into little towns like Garland.

SRMC vice president of marketing and community relations Ann Butler stated, “I called Jim Matthews, and he said there is a possibility to keep some things in stock at the Garland location.”

She also suggested a service be arranged that would bring items over to the residents.

“That would help,” Masterson expressed. “It would open the door. That may be your best bet to start with.”

Although opening a pharmacy is not something SRMC can do, Masterson was hopeful in helping the southern town in getting a pharmacy of its own.

“There seems to be a lot of pharmacists just getting out of school in White Lake. If we could use grants to set something up, we could get them here. I think the town would be better off opening a new pharmacy,” Masterson concluded.

Jessica Wagner can be contacted at 910-592-8137 ext.122 or reached by e-mail at siphoto@myclintonnc.com