Hi-School Pharmacy establishes safety measures for customers, employees

Hi-School Pharmacy is tackling the COVID-19 pandemic by instituting several measures that began with the onset of the outbreak. The Vancouver, Wash.-based chain said its efforts to protect its employees and customers include social distancing and curbside pickup services.

Hi-School Pharmacy has provided all employees with cleaning products at their station, as well as disinfecting frequently throughout the day. Its employees wear a badge to remind customers to maintain a 6-ft. distance for everyone’s safety. Additionally, signage on its front doors encourage social distancing and floor spots have marks 6 ft. apart to help customers distance themselves properly while in line. Plexiglass shields also have been installed at registers to protect customers and employees.

"Our mindset is clear and focused. We have one goal in mind, we will keep our community healthy by all definitions of the word,” said Austin Blakeslee, director of pharmacy at Hi-School Pharmacy.

"We have diligently fought to stay ahead of the curve to keep our communities healthy. Through all of our efforts, we’ve been fortunate enough so far to not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19 among any of our employees," Blakeslee said. "We believe this is fruit of our labors in keeping our immediate areas clean and disinfected, and firmly adopting social distancing protocols."

Blakeslee also said that one customer brought a dozen roses for an employee, who helped her because she felt isolated and scared to go to the store. “Now, she can shop with confidence; she’ll get the products she needs and she’ll stay healthy in the process,” he said.

Blakeslee also praised Hi-School Pharmacy's corporate buyers for keeping shelves stocked. "We’ve been innovative and creative, and consistently been able to provide everything from the cleaning and paper products to the OTC/HABA products that our customers need," Blakeslee said. "We have had many reports of our customers shopping elsewhere, looking for products to no avail and finding everything they need at Hi-School Pharmacy. We are excited to have so many new customers to call friends as we all get through this together.”

Hi-School Pharmacy is providing a bonus for all employees, which amounts to a greater than $2-per-hour increase, and the company has increased employees' in-store discount to a cost plus 10% model. 

"Our communities have demanded a response, and we’ve heard them loud and clear. We’re here for them no matter what the days ahead bring," Blakeslee said. "We believe our efforts will save lives. We are resilient and we will stay positive. The more seriously we take precautions, the quicker we will all get through this. It’s in our hands.”