WPAFB’s Kittyhawk pharmacy offers efficient service during pandemic

Cars wait in a line wrapped around the Kittyhawk Satellite Pharmacy that is currently in pick-up-only operations until further notice. (U.S. Air Force photo/Wes Farnsworth)

Cars wait in a line wrapped around the Kittyhawk Satellite Pharmacy that is currently in pick-up-only operations until further notice. (U.S. Air Force photo/Wes Farnsworth)

Since Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s first positive COVID-19 case was announced on March 20 by Col. Thomas Sherman, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, the Kittyhawk Pharmacy has remained a stalwart to its thousands of active-duty, retiree and eligible veteran customers.

This unprecedented virus precipitated the base going from Health Protection Condition Bravo to its current HPCON Charlie. Thus, changes had to be made quickly to ensure continued service to hospital clients as well as safety measures for pharmacy staff.

The drive-through pharmacy has deployed Airmen to effectively meet and greet customers at their vehicles, taking their information and then bringing medications back to the car.

While customers may have fretted about long lines and wait times to get their prescriptions, there have been accolades and praises on Facebook and through the Commander’s Direct Line.

One such message was from David Kender, an Air Force retired lieutenant colonel, who said, “Kudos to the military folks working at the Kittyhawk Pharmacy. We picked up refill prescriptions this afternoon; the drive-thru procedures were operating without a glitch. Unfortunately, there was a downpour, but the troops kept up the pace. Please publically acknowledge their contributions.”

Another commenter said, “I would just like Col. Sherman to know what a good job the Airmen were doing at the Kittyhawk Pharmacy today. I was shocked when I saw the line; however, I was totally amazed at the efficiency of getting people through those lines in such a timely manner. So please take a moment from your busy day and give notice to the Kittyhawk Pharmacy. Thank you.”

Kristen Van Wert, 88th Medical Group’s Director of Strategic Communication, has ensured the personnel at the pharmacy continue to conduct themselves in a professional and calm manner. They understand that they can’t overreact to the climate, but they must, instead, set the climate.

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