St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health have finalized the acquisition of Arnzen Super Drug Inc., which includes its established pharmacy locations in Cottonwood, Kamiah, and Orofino, Idaho. This purchase marks a significant development in local healthcare, as Arnzen Super Drug has been a cornerstone of the community since its founding in 1890, providing pharmacy care for over 135 years.
Continuing a Legacy of Service
The acquisition was announced on December 9, 2023, with both St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health expressing their commitment to uphold the legacy established by Rod Arnzen and his dedicated team. In a joint statement, Lenne Bonner, CEO of both health organizations, emphasized the importance of Arnzen’s longstanding service to rural healthcare. “We are incredibly grateful for the foundation that Arnzen’s has established. This transition ensures that essential pharmacy services remain available, strengthened, and expanded,” Bonner stated.
Arnzen expressed enthusiasm for the transition, highlighting the importance of maintaining continuity in care for his patients. “I am so excited to see the Arnzen legacy continue forward with Kootenai Health, St. Mary’s Health, and Clearwater Valley Health. It ensures my patients will receive the exceptional local care and continued service from my staff that they’ve relied on for so many years,” he remarked. This sentiment illustrates the shared commitment between the organizations to prioritize patient care during the transition.
Future of Pharmacy Services
The pharmacies will continue to operate with the same staff, ensuring that the personalized service patients have come to trust remains intact. Over time, the partnership is expected to enhance resources and improve the coordination of care across the region. Bonner reiterated the commitment to support the dedicated staff who have served faithfully in the past, stating, “Our commitment is simple: to honor what Arnzen’s has built, support the staff, and invest in the future.”
As the acquisition progresses, both St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health plan to provide more information to the public, reassuring patients that there will be no disruption to services. This strategic move is seen as a vital step in bolstering healthcare access in the region, reflecting a growing trend of consolidation in the healthcare industry aimed at improving service delivery.
Overall, this acquisition not only preserves the heritage of Arnzen Super Drug but also paves the way for future advancements in local pharmacy services, ensuring that the community continues to receive high-quality care.
