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POINT PLEASANT — A classic locale in Point Pleasant recently received a facelift in more ways than one.

Fruth Pharmacy in Point Pleasant celebrated its grand reopening last week to highlight the store’s new features which include remodeling of the pharmacy area, two drive-thru lanes, the addition of robotics to the pharmacy and new resident pharmacist, Brittany (Richter) Snodgrass.

Snodgrass’ role is a direct result of the partnership between Fruth Pharmacy and the University of Charleston’s School of Pharmacy. Thanks to a special grant, Snodgrass will be available to offer counseling to customers for illnesses that require frequent monitoring.

“I am very pleased about the partnership with the Charleston School of Pharmacy,” Lynne Fruth, president and chairman of the board of Fruth Pharmacy said. “Thanks to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Community Pharmacy Residency Expansion Project (Community PREP) grant, we are able to offer our customers what many pharmacies cannot: a human connection.”

Snodgrass will be able to counsel these customers in two private counseling rooms adjacent to the pharmacy.

“Brittany’s responsibility is to be here to counsel the patient,” Fruth said. “She will also be available for immunizations and will hold health screenings to help identify health concerns so patients can seek appropriate treatment. For instance, Brittany would be instrumental in helping a diabetic patient with a plan to help regulate his or her condition based on medications and other needs that this patient may have. Her counseling is designed to help patients be more adherent to their medication.”

Michelle Easton, Anne Teichman and Dave Boyer, personnel from the University of Charleston, were all on hand for last week’s grand re-opening, observing not only Snodgrass work, but other UC students who are learning “on hands” experience at many Fruth Pharmacy locations. Easton commented on the positive partnership between UC and Fruth Pharmacy with Teichman remarking it gives the students the experience they need outside of the classroom to become the best at their vocation.

Snodgrass is available to assist walk-in patients from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. on Thursdays. To set up an appointment for additional days, call 304-675-2303.

Just as the remodel reflects, Fruth Pharmacy is changing with the times to meet changing needs of their customers, which includes prescription home delivery, even stocking pet medications.

“Even though the Fruth Pharmacy Chain will soon grow with the opening of its 26th store in Ironton, Ohio, the Point Pleasant store always will remain our most important store,” Fruth said. “This is where our company got started. We want to make sure we provide the people of Point Pleasant, who have been supportive of our company, the best health care and pharmacy services.”