IN A world often dominated by medical professionals, Marcrom Pharmacy in Manchester is a ray of hope and healing. General Manager Joe McKamey goes beyond dispensing medications, spearheading initiatives that transform the community’s well-being. Each day, McKamey and Marcrom Pharmacy embark on an incredible journey toward healing the community.
Marcrom Pharmacy’s healing mission began with a simple yet profound idea: proactive health. McKamey understands true healing encompasses physical, emotional, spiritual, and even political aspects of community life. He envisions a community where individuals care for their health and support one another on their wellness journey.
The pharmacy’s involvement in 5K and relay races encourages physical fitness and a sense of community. These initiatives encourage people to exercise together and support each other’s health goals, aiming to heal the community.
But Marcrom Pharmacy’s commitment doesn’t end there. They ventured into insurance, focusing on Medicare.
McKamey explained the motivation behind this move, “We found that most people have no idea how Medicare works or what choices to make, and they need someone they can trust. So we wanted to fill that gap in the community.”
This initiative aimed to demystify healthcare options, offering a trustworthy resource for Medicare guidance and reducing stress and confusion.
One of their standout initiatives is the weight loss program. Inspired by McKamey’s personal weight loss journey, Marcrom Pharmacy launched a “Biggest Loser” style competition for the community.
“At the time, I was struggling with my weight. Our resident was looking for this community outreach program. I said, ‘Hey, listen, I’m a competitive guy and need to lose some weight. Why don’t we organize a “Biggest Loser” style weight loss challenge?'”
Over 10 weeks, the challenge emphasized healthy lifestyles, education, motivation, and accountability. Starting with 30 participants, it grew into a movement of around 300 individuals, collectively shedding thousands of pounds.
The program helped participants shed excess weight and sparked transformative changes in their lives. Participants reported life-altering benefits, from improved health indicators to better relationships and overcoming addiction.
“It just continued to grow from there. We wanted to educate people on what they needed to do in the long term, but in the short term, we wanted to hold them accountable to those things and motivate them,” McKamey explained.
“It was really a neat thing that happened. A lot of people went from being either pre-diabetic or diabetic to normal blood sugar levels and normal A1C levels, which was really exciting.”
Additionally, health screenings uncovered previously undiagnosed conditions, offering new opportunities for intervention and improvement.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting in-person events, Marcrom Pharmacy adapted, offering flexibility through virtual and in-person options.
Looking ahead, McKamey highlighted the importance of proactivity in healthcare, envisioning a community where individuals take charge of their health, regularly checking vital signs. Marcrom Pharmacy aims to be proactive, preventing diseases
rather than just treating them, focusing on all aspects of health.
“How we, as a community, approach our health will impact the growth of Manchester and the feeling about Manchester. I would like to see people being more proactive. So that can be on so many different levels. Are people just taking care of themselves? Whether it be regular blood pressure, blood sugar, or all the cholesterol checks — things like that are things we don’t always feel but are there.”
McKamey emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving hometown healing, urging businesses and stores to promote healthier options and provide informed choices. The vision is clear: a vibrant, thriving community where individuals support one another’s pursuit of wellness.
For McKamey, hometown healing encompasses emotional, spiritual, political, and social well-being. It requires a collective effort, transcending differences in politics and beliefs. The goal is a united, thriving community.
“For hometown healing to happen, we all have to find common ground, common goals, and just a human commonality that will drive us to encourage and help each other in ways we may not have done before. Hometown healing comes from putting those differences aside and focusing on what we can do together to help each other as a community. It means recognizing all of those things and working together to achieve those common goals that we all ultimately have.”
Through organizing events, educating about healthcare, and promoting long-term health, Marcrom Pharmacy inspires community healing. Manchester’s future health looks promising, with Marcrom Pharmacy leading charge toward a healthier, more vibrant hometown.
McKamey and Marcrom Pharmacy continue to inspire communities to embrace wellness, unity, and collective prosperity. Together, they illuminate a path toward a brighter, healthier tomorrow for Manchester and beyond. GN
