Business Spotlight
Ella Community Pharmacy
Writer / Natalie Platt
Photographer / Whitney Moore
When Dr. Erik Angelotti wasnt satisfied with the corporate chain pharmacies he worked in during pharmacy school and for a few years after graduation, he knew there had to be something out there that allowed him to use his talent to better serve people. Also, his wife, Dr. Lindsey Angelotti, had worked in an independent pharmacy during her postgraduate residency training and knew the standard of care was unmatched.
So the couple, both of whom got into the pharmacy profession to take care of other people, decided that the best way to do that was to run their own pharmacy, free from corporate restraint that often inhibits quality patient care.
So, Ella Community Pharmacy was created.
Ella Community Pharmacy provides a personalized, patient-focused pharmacy experience that people will likely not find anywhere else. The pharmacy offers standard prescription filling and basic medication compounding – it is a full-service pharmacy that can provide the same services as a major chain but with the perks of personalized service and a team thats willing to go the extra mile. The pharmacy accepts most major insurance and offers its own discount plan for those looking for cost-saving options.
Not only that, but Ella Community Pharmacy also has compliance packaging, meaning they offer medication and supplement packaging. Each pouch is labeled with the medications or supplements, day, date and time to be taken. It is simple and convenient to keep track of your medication or daily supplements.
Another key service the pharmacy offers includes medical equipment, like mobility and safety equipment as well as braces and supports.
Now, as the Westfield pharmacy location has relocated from 103 South Union Street to 211 Jersey Street, theyll work on an expansion of some of their current offerings while adding others. Ella Community Pharmacy is also the first business to relocate due to the State Road 32 expansion and remain in the Westfield community.
Its bittersweet, says Dr. Erik Angelotti, owner of Ella Community Pharmacy. We werent necessarily thrilled to move. Moving a pharmacy is certainly not an easy task, and we also had to leave the location where this pharmacy originated in 1981, so theres a bit of history thats being left behind. However, were excited to have a fresh, new space to work in that better suits our needs.
With the move, the pharmacy will be relaunching its Durable Medical Equipment sale and rental services to feature online shopping capability and white-glove delivery service. They are also working on insurance billing opportunities, and expanding their product offerings to include products such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines and supplies.
We currently are working on our new medical equipment showroom as well as our online catalog, Dr. Angelotti says. Were excited to be able to expand these services in the near future with the ability to bill insurance for medical equipment, beginning with products such as CPAP machines and supplies.
With the relocation, Ella Community Pharmacy customers will take notice of one new service, ear piercing, and one Westfield mainstay, a wine selection. You can become a member of the Wine Club for $40 a month and receive two unique wines hand-selected by Dr. Angelotti, allowing customers to try new flavors and grapes never experienced. There is even an Instagram account (@WineatthePharm) to follow for reviews from the Ella team.
As business owners, were always looking for ways to diversify our business and differentiate from our competitors, Dr. Angelotti says. Many of our services are based on areas of interest of our team, or needs that weve identified in the community.
When the owners arent embracing their wine passion, theyre quick to admit its nice to have their partner in the same boat to help navigate the highs and lows of business ownership. Dr. Lindsey Angelotti runs the Sheridan Ella Community Pharmacy location.
We do have one additional family member on our team, Dr. Angelotti says. Lindseys sister, Kelly, is our director of marketing and communication. Our daughter joins us for visits from time to time.
Just as family is a significant part of Ella Community Pharmacys success, so is knowing your pharmacist.
We think its so important to know your pharmacist, Dr. Angelotti says. After all, they are a significant part of your health care team. We take pride in knowing our patients, and find it more fulfilling as a profession to have more personal relationships with the individuals and families that have chosen to help support us – who also believe that a better health care experience can be provided by an independent pharmacy.
You can visit Ella Community Pharmacy at either location: Westfield (211 Jersey Street) or Sheridan (508 East 10th Street). You can also learn more about the pharmacy, transfer your prescriptions and join their Wine Club at ellapharmacy.com.
