Gundersen Health System purchases two La Crosse pharmacies

Patients in the La Crosse area now have access to a new Gundersen Health System pharmacy close to home in a familiar location. Gundersen purchased the former Cass Street (528 Cass Street) and MedPak pharmacies in La Crosse Jan. 16.

Gundersen acquired the two long-time downtown businesses from owner and lead pharmacist Ken Ford, who has operated the two sites for the past 27 years.

"We look forward to continuing to provide the individualized, innovative services and great care customers have received at Cass Street and MedPak for so many years," says Beth Smith-Houskamp, RN, Gundersen administrative chief operating officer and chief nursing officer. "The addition of these two highly-trusted pharmacies strengthens our commitment to the health and well-being of patients in and around La Crosse, and particularly in the downtown area."

Both pharmacies serve all customers, regardless of where they receive medical care. The names of the two businesses are now Cass St Pharmacy Gundersen Health System and MedPak Pharmacy Gundersen Health System.

Cass St is a retail pharmacy welcoming walk-in, drive through, telephone and online prescription orders, along with home and mail delivery for customers who want or need it. Gundersen will continue to offer a fully-functioning pharmacy, including a wide selection of over-the-counter products, allergy medications, topical creams/ointments and more.

"It’s so important for downtown La Crosse residents - and particularly those within walking distance - to continue to have a neighborhood pharmacy," Beth adds. "We wanted to guarantee that and were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Mr. Ford and his team. They’ve spent years building an excellent reputation in the community."

MedPak Pharmacy provides medications for patients at assisted living facilities.

"It was time for me to retire and write the next chapters of my life," Ford explains. "I approached Gundersen about a sale because they have made a commitment to serve our community in the downtown area. Another reason was that our pharmacists have excellent professional relationships with the pharmacists at Gundersen."

Other than the name changes, customers aren’t likely to notice anything different. They will see many of the same friendly faces too, as many staff from both pharmacies joined the team at Gundersen.

To contact Cass St Pharmacy Gundersen Health System, call (608) 784-9922 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. or Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.