Sav-Mor Pharmacy, a Virden Mainstay

By Cindy Ladage

Sav-Mor’s motto is, “A ‘Hometown’ Pharmacy With ‘World Class’ Service”, and that would be right. They offer services like the big city pharmacies, but with the small-town customer care!

This drug story has a bit of history.  Pharmacy Manager Rick Cotterman, has been with the company for 12 years.  He said, “Sav-Mor first opened in 1976, so they have been around for about 40 years.  The current owner is David Falk, he is the son of the original owner, Ed Falk.”

Ed Falk owned the business with his partner, Dick Weber.  “In the early 90’s, Dave purchased the store.  He and his brother-in-law Trent Moore, (who is married to Dave’s twin) now operate 15 stores. Seven of them are Sav-Mor’s.”

Rick explained that Dave and Trent kept the original names of the stores as the purchased them. To his knowledge, Sav-Mor Pharmacy in Virden, was the first of the stores that the Falk family purchased. The Falks’ currently live in Maroa, Illinois.

At Sav-Mor Pharmacy they offer many perks.  “We have free delivery of prescriptions,” Rick Cotterman said.  They deliver to the surrounding area which includes, Virden, Auburn, and Girard, plus made a once-a-month trip to Palmyra as well.

“We also offer medication synchronization (filling the prescriptions at one time) once a month.  This is a free service.  The medical synchronization allows patients medications to be refilled each month, so the customer doesn’t have to worry about calling in.  This way we fill all the maintenance medications on a schedule, call the doctor for any needed refills, and then inform the patient the medicines are ready for pickup either via text or phone call per their request,” Rick said.

To make life even easier, he said, “We have a packaging machine designed for people on the go, or those that use multiple medications.”

The packaging machine places medication in a pouch with the patient’s name, medication name, correct dosage and the date and the time they should take it all listed on the pouch.  This helps the patient remember the appropriate time to take their medication.  This is also perfect for travel, medicine doesn’t fall out of containers, is perfectly measured, and just right for TSA specifications!

“This is a free service and there are no charges unless the doctor changes the medication,” Rick explained.  Then if the pharmacy must repackage the pouches, there would be a small fee, otherwise it is a free service.

At Sav-Mor Pharmacy, they also offer vaccinations as well.  You don’t have to make an appointment; this is a walk-in service.  They offer all the regular vaccinations like Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Pneumonia, COVID, and they are currently getting in the new COVID vaccine. Rick said he received word that they will get the new Pfizer bivalent Covid vaccine this week and it will be available starting Tuesday, September 13, 2022.”

They also offer flu shots and the Shingrix vaccine which protects seniors against shingles.  “Insurance covers most of the vaccines,” Rick added.

Besides offering vaccines, Rick said, “We also do flu clinics in coordination with Prairie State Bank, at the school, and with Landmark Auto Sales.  We reach out to local businesses, they are free to coordinate with us,” Rick said.

For patients not feeling well, or if it is just hard to get out to pick up your medication, there are options.  “We also have curbside delivery.  Just call and we will bring it out to you,” Rick added.

Feeling under the weather is becoming more common as we start spending more time indoors.  “With school back and with it getting cooler, we recommend a lot of hand washing and alcohol wipes.  You also should probably get the flu shot,” Rick said about how to stave off falling ill as the weather cools down.

“There is concern about the flu, it could be a rough year,” Rick said that flu in Europe has been tough. 

When should residents seek out the flu shot?  While they already have it on hand, Rick recommends the end of September, or the beginning of October.  “The flu shot is only good for six months.  If you wait until then, you are covered while it is full blown winter.”

The Pharmacy also has a blood pressure machine as well as an onsite virtual doctor visit computer set up that was placed at the drug store by St. John’s Hospital.  For a small fee, you can visit virtually with a doctor without having to travel to town! 

At Sav-Mor, they also carry vitamins and all they other medical needs that most patrons may need.  However, if there is something that a patient needs that they don’t carry, he said they can order it.

At the drug store they carry other items like North Mac Apparel.  In fact, Rick said he recently updated the pharmacy with brighter lighting and painting it in the North Mac school colors.  “We used local contractors.  Our owner is a big support of using local workers when something is done.”

Sav-Mor Pharmacy staff and owners are very community minded.  They are store involved in local community events like the Trunk or Treat and Christmas time happenings.  “We try to be involved in community activities, when possible,” Rick added. “Like our owner says, we are an old-time mom and pop store offering individual service where everyone is important and not just a number.”

“We are very appreciative of the Chamber of Commerce and their help in promoting us,” Rick said.  He mentioned how helpful they were in getting the word out about the flu clinics.

With fourteen employees, all are local or from the surrounding area except for a few relief pharmacists. 

Locals can find gift items at Sav-Mor and cards, they also still have the photo booth, and it is popular to create pictures and such, printing from digital devices.

Open Monday – Friday from 8-6, Sav-Mor Pharmacy is also open Saturday from 8-2, and closed on Sunday. More details can be found on the website at www.Savmor.com and at their Facebook page.  Call 217-965-4925 for more information.