TOP STORY: WinnMed has purchased Donlon Pharmacy of downtown Decorah

Donlon Pharmacy, which opened its doors in 1932, has now been purchased by WinnMed (the former Winneshiek Medical Center). The purchase of the business was approved Wednesday evening by the WinnMed Board of Trustees and the contract was signed Wednesday night. Terms of the purchase have not been disclosed. The hospital plans to move the pharmacy to the North Building on the WinnMed campus and to call it "WinnMed Retail Pharmacy." It intends to open the pharmacy in late fall, depending on construction completion. The North Building will be open to the public and will also serve patients at the medical center. The new pharmacy would include a drive-through and would continue the medication delivery service operated by Donlon's. All Donlon's employees will be offered jobs at the new pharmacy, with a group meeting scheduled for next Wednesday, June 14th, to explain the transition. Current Donlon's owner Ryan Frerichs says, "It is important to us that our patients feel valued and like family." He adds, "We are confident the change in ownership will be positive for our community for years to come." WinnMed leaders say the pharmacy would generate a positive cashflow when it moves to its new location. They project doubling the pharmacy's sales over a five-year period. WinnMed leaders say the new location for the pharmacy will be convenient for its patients, who will be able to fill their prescriptions following clinic appointments. The pharmacists at Donlon's will join WinnMed's primary care team and will provide services and education within the hospital, The pharmacists will also serve as consultants for the Mayo Clinic Health System physicians at WinnMed.