Berkshire Health Systems, Williams College Collaborate on Retail Pharmacy
WILLIAMSTOWN — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) and Williams College announced the development of a new retail pharmacy in Williamstown, expanding access to prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and many other products, in close proximity to the Williams campus. The new pharmacy, to be called the Williamstown Apothecary, will be located at 72 Spring St., a property owned by the college.
The Williamstown Apothecary is scheduled to open in early spring, following the completion of renovations to the property being undertaken by Berkshire Health Systems, as well as municipal permitting.
“Williams has been excited to work with BHS to bring pharmacy and related services to the heart of Williamstown,” said Matt Sheehy, associate vice president for Finance and Administration at Williams College. “This should be a major convenience for the community, including Williams’ students, faculty, and staff. It also will complement nicely the goods and services available in the middle of town.”
Darlene Rodowicz, chief financial officer at Berkshire Health Systems, added that “we are pleased to partner with Williams College in an effort to expand the Williamstown community’s access to prescription and other pharmacy needs. In discussions with Williams College leadership, the desire to have a pharmacy in easy walking distance from the college campus was cited as a significant need for students, faculty, and staff, and will also greatly benefit the overall community.”
The Williamstown Apothecary will be operated by Berkshire Health Systems through its Berkshire Community Pharmacy as a full retail pharmacy with access to prescription medications and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, including an automated system allowing for pickup of prescriptions after hours.
“The Williamstown Apothecary will carry a variety of vitamins, supplements, and medications that are common to pharmacies, but also will have several items of interest to the college community,” said David MacHaffie, director of Retail and Specialty Services for BHS. “We will also have a selection of herbal medications and teas, flower-essence tinctures, a line of high-quality skin-care products, local organic handmade soaps, and essential oils and diffusers, among other items of interest.”
The Berkshire Community Pharmacy currently operates two other pharmacy locations that are open to the public, at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) in Pittsfield and the North Adams Campus of BMC.