HURRICANE, WV (WOWK) – Folks were hitting the links for a good cause! It was all part of the Fruth Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, held at Sleepy Hollow Golf Course in Hurricane, WV.

The pharmacy has helped support many scholarship students in our region. In fact, the President of Fruth Pharmacy, Lynne Fruth, said that in 2022, over 50 students receiving a Fruth Scholarship. The tournament also supports the Bridge of Hope Scholarship fund, for individuals who’ve completed an addiction recovery program and want to further their education or enter into a trade program.

The tournament has helped contribute over $1,000,000 to scholarships for local universities, colleges and trade programs.

For more information on the fundraiser, and ways you can help get involved, click HERE.

Fruth’s annual golf tournament proves to be a hole in one | WOWK 13 News (wowktv.com)

Please view story here: Little Victories collects donations from local community (wsaz.com)

Point Pleasant, W.Va. – (May 25, 2023) – Lynne Fruth, President of Fruth Pharmacy, was in Ironton Friday May 5th, 2023 to present the staff at the Ironton Fruth Pharmacy the “World of Difference” Award.

This award is presented each year to the staff at one store who have demonstrated the best teamwork and made the biggest impact on improving the store.

 Our Ironton staff, led by Pharmacists Ethan Baker, Mary Hannahan and Manager Amy Halterman, have persevered through a year of staff shortages and daily closures of other pharmacies in the area. These difficult circumstances brought out the best in our staff and leadership as everyone did whatever it took to provide customer service and keep our pharmacy open every day. In recognition for going above and beyond, the staff at Ironton will have the traveling World of Difference” Trophy for one year. As a show of appreciation, each staff member will receive a Fruth Polo or Scrub Top.

Lynne Fruth was quick to praise this team and the hard work they have done. “While other Ironton pharmacies have had to limit hours or even close their stores on multiple occasions, our staff did what was necessary to keep serving our patients in Ironton and Lawrence County. Congratulations to the entire staff for a job well done.”

Fruth Pharmacy is a family-owned company serving the tri-state area of West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. Fruth Pharmacy has been in business since 1952.

This is a “Hats-Off” to everyone working at Fruth Pharmacy.  The pandemic came, and pharmacy answered.  Everyone at Fruth worked throughout the pandemic as essential employees to help take care of one another, our customers, and our communities.  This video highlights pharmacists and pandemic response, but it signifies so much more.   The pandemic helped to highlight a fraction of what pharmacists and pharmacies are capable of as providers, and hopefully, this is the beginning of national recognition.  As members of the Fruth Pharmacy Family, the Leadership Team thanks each and every Fruth employee and their families for their sacrifices, teamwork, and commitment to the healthcare of our communities.  Everyone deserves a big round of applause!!!! Drew Massey,

PRESS RELEASE “Thank You”: NACDS TV Ad Honors Pharmacists’ Pandemic Response May 9, 2023 Lauds pharmacy teams as “one trusted force for hope” during the COVID-19 emergency; positions their “commitment to a healthy America” that remains essential for the future Arlington, VA – Timed with the formal end of the COVID-19 public health emergency on Thursday, a National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) television and digital ad is punctuating the occasion with a “thank you” to pharmacists and pharmacy teams. Watch Ad The ad states: “It’s a normal day again in America. We’ve all been through a lot the past few years. But when things have seemed most uncertain there has been one constant, one trusted force for hope: America’s pharmacists. Dedicated, relentless, with more than 300 million COVID shots given in local pharmacies. With a commitment to a healthy America that is unbreakable – that opened the nation and our lives. It’s a normal day again. Thank you.” The TV ad will begin to appear on Thursday in the Washington, D.C. market, and will extend to selected states. NACDS began to distribute the ad digitally today. In releasing the ad, NACDS President and Chief Executive Officer Steven C. Anderson said, “We want pharmacists and pharmacy teams to know that their dedication, professionalism, knowledge, trust, accessibility, and sacrifice remain deeply appreciated and top-of-mind. They helped to save and reopen America, in ways that include the more than 302 million COVID-19 vaccinations provided in pharmacies – including more than two-thirds of all adult COVID-19 vaccinations given during the 2022-2023 season. Pharmacists and pharmacy teams also helped to address individuals’ needs within their communities, as the healthcare professionals who kept their doors open at a time of extreme concern and uncertainty. “Just as NACDS advised the federal and state governments of policies needed to make possible pharmacy’s pandemic response, we will continue to convey clearly the policies necessary for the pharmacy access that patients need and expect. In just a few examples, states need to make permanent the pharmacy access made possible by the federal PREP Act (Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act). The U.S. Congress needs to enact the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (H.R. 1770) to ensure Medicare beneficiaries have access to pharmacist services approved by the states. The federal and state governments need to do their part to bring about comprehensive pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform to take on the practices of pharmaceutical middlemen.” Over a one-week stretch in April, NACDS lauded two major victories for patient access. The Biden Administration it would extend through December 2024 many of the PREP Act pharmacy-access provisions and also announced action on COVID-19 vaccine access for uninsured individuals. NACDS had advocated consistently for these initiatives over the course of approximately two years. NACDS represents traditional drug stores, supermarkets and mass merchants with pharmacies. Chains operate over 40,000 pharmacies, and NACDS’ member companies include regional chains, with a minimum of four stores, and national companies. Chains employ nearly 3 million individuals, including 155,000 pharmacists. They fill over 3 billion prescriptions yearly, and help patients use medicines correctly and safely, while offering innovative services that improve patient health and healthcare affordability. NACDS members also include more than 900 supplier partners and over 70 international members representing 21 countries. Please visit NACDS.org.

Pleasant, W.Va. – (April 7, 2023) – Caleb Samples is Fruth Pharmacy’s 2022 Rising Star Award recipient.

Caleb Samples, a lifelong Putnam County resident, was awarded the 2022 Rising Star Award.

Samples began his career at Fruth Pharmacy in 2016 as an intern during his studies at Marshall University School of Pharmacy. Upon his graduation in 2020 he was hired as a full-time pharmacist for Fruth Pharmacy.

Samples has proven himself to be a great addition to the Fruth team. He has won competitions, scholarships, and was also featured alongside other Fruth pharmacists in Pharmacy Today magazine. Fruth held a competition named “Find the Money” where team members throughout the chain had an opportunity to win prizes. The competition challenged team members to send in ideas identifying ways to save money and time. Samples won that competition by suggesting a model in which remote work be utilized to lessen the burden of daily tasks, allowing pharmacy staff more time to directly care for patients.

Samples, however, humbly gives all credit for his success to his mentors.  “Fruth really went above and beyond training me to be a pharmacist. I began my career as Covid was hitting our area; an overwhelming time to be a healthcare worker. I learned so much about the care a pharmacist can provide as I worked alongside the leadership team testing patients and giving reassurance. As we are now exiting the pandemic phase it is nice to look back and realize how much we helped West Virginia as a company. I don’t know anywhere else I would have had the opportunity to work alongside the leadership team testing patients for COVID in a parking lot! I take great pride and joy working for a local company who cares about this area and people as much as I do.”

Lynne Fruth states, “It is evident to see why Caleb was chosen as our Rising Star. Caleb has many accomplishments under his belt since his start here. We are so proud to have him as part of our Fruth team. He has done such a wonderful job and has recently been promoted as Manager at our Central Fill location.”

Fruth Pharmacy is a family-owned company serving the tri-state area of West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. Fruth Pharmacy has been in business since 1952.

Point Pleasant, W.Va. – (February 2023) – Fruth Pharmacy is pleased to announce that District Manager, Paula Williams, was chosen as the recipient of Fruth Pharmacy’s 2022 Presidential Award. Paula has been with Fruth Pharmacy for 30 years.

Fruth Pharmacy celebrates the accomplishments of employees each year, presenting awards to outstanding individuals who embody what it means to go beyond for our stores and communities. The Presidential Award is presented to a member of the Fruth support staff who has provided the stores with the most help and assistance in 2022.

Fruth Pharmacy chose Paula as a 2022 Presidential Award recipient for answering the call for store support. Paula’s commitment to her community, and Fruth Pharmacy, compelled Paula to work several hours and several weeks at the Nitro, Point Pleasant, Charleston, Eleanor, and Winfield stores to help with staff shortages. Covid made staffing difficult in many Fruth locations.

Paula began her career at Fruth Pharmacy in 1993 as an accounting clerk. She quickly moved into an Assistant Manager’s role and later Store Manager. Paula was awarded Manager of the Year in 2012. Paula now wears the title of District Manager. Paula’s real job is hiring, training, and assisting in the store management of retail sales for all locations, 2022 however, added lifesaver and emergency relief manager to Paula’s already wide range of duties.

Co-workers says, “We are so grateful to have such a wonderful leader, she always there to answer our questions and help us succeed!”

“For going beyond in supporting our stores, I am incredibly pleased to award Paula the 2022 Presidential Award. Paula has proven that she is, indeed, a diligent, hardworking lifesaver.” says Lynne Fruth, President of Fruth Pharmacy.

Fruth Pharmacy is a family-owned company. Currently, Fruth Pharmacy has 28 locations in West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. Fruth Pharmacy is proud to be your Hometown Family Pharmacy since 1952.

Point Pleasant, W.Va. – (February 2023) –Fruth Pharmacy Store Manager, Ray Kilgore, is the annual recipient of Fruth Pharmacy’s Manager of the Year Award.

Fruth Pharmacy celebrates the accomplishments of employees each year, presenting awards to outstanding individuals who embody what it means to go beyond for our stores and communities.

Lynne Fruth, President of Fruth Pharmacy visited the Huntington area to recognize the top 3 managers in the Fruth chain for 2022. Ray Kilgore, from the 7th Avenue Huntington store was named Manager of the Year.

Shauna Kerns, manager at Camden Rd. in Huntington and Kim Donahoe, Proctorville Ohio manager, were recognized as finalists.

Kim has been a manager at the Proctorville location for many years. Kim has been very successful in her role with Fruth Pharmacy and has been a finalist many times for the Manager of the Year Award. Kim won that award in 2018. Kim was also part of the award winning team in Proctorville in 2021 for the World of Difference award. Kim is often referred to as the “heroine” of the Proctorville store. “Kim is unselfish and is quick to share any praise with her team,” says Lynne Fruth.

Shauna began her career at Fruth in Ironton. She rose to the position of Assistant Manager and then Manager quickly. Shauna has been a road warrior for Fruth, serving as Store Manager in several Fruth locations. She currently manages the Huntington store on Camden Ave. Shauna never remains still, she is always on the go working, training, and assisting others. “Where Shauna goes, success and excellence will follow. She is a shining example of what a Fruth manager should be”, stated Lynne Fruth.

Ray is a retail veteran having worked for several companies throughout the years. He is currently the Store Manager at the Huntington store located on 7th Avenue. Ray’s employees say, “Ray is the friendliest manager we have ever had, and he is overall just an outstanding person, he has taught us a lot.”

In addition, Assistant Manager, Michelle Callicoat, also of the 7th Avenue location was a finalist in the Fruth Associate of the Year Award.

Fruth commented, “we are very blessed to have so many outstanding leaders working in our greater Huntington market. This is a great group of employees who regularly work together to improve all stores.”

Fruth Pharmacy is a family-owned company. Currently, Fruth Pharmacy has 28 locations in West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. Fruth Pharmacy is proud to be your Hometown Family Pharmacy since 1952.

Point Pleasant, W.Va. – (November 3, 2022) – Fruth Pharmacy donated $10,000 to kickstart the Bill O’Dell Legacy Fund. The Legacy Fund was set up in memory of Bill O’Dell, director of the Putnam County Wellness Coalition who passed away unexpectantly in 2019. O’Dell worked tirelessly toward the greater good of the youth in Putnam County and surrounding areas for over 30 years. O’Dell focused his efforts on educating young adults about the dangers of addiction and the importance of education. Those who knew O’Dell, whether through friendship, work, or his mentorship, describe him as ‘passionate and selfless’.

Lynne Fruth is also passionate about helping the youth in her community. Knowing the achievements and the countless programs that O’Dell enacted for the betterment of his community, Lynne felt the need to honor his memory. The Fruth Executive Team decided helping the Legacy Fund get off the ground would be the perfect way to honor O’Dell’s achievements and continue his work. “I feel honored to be able to present this check to the Legacy Fund, Bill was a true leader and held to his conviction that to have great leaders and secure the futures of our children, we must step in and fill the gaps. Bill was passionate about the kids.”

Jack Fruth, founder of Fruth Pharmacy, established Scholarship Programs that have provided over $1M to help young adults meet the cost of furthering their educations. Lynne Fruth, following in her father’s footsteps, helped establish the Bridge of Hope Scholarship Fund that provides money for West Virginians in recovery to seek training or education beneficial to re-enter the work force. Fruth Pharmacy was also among the first to replace single ingredient pseudoephedrine with a tamper resistant product, Nexafed, that cannot be manipulated and made into Methamphetamine. Fruth and O’Dell share a passion for educating the children of their communities and helping end addiction.

Bill’s wife Judy O’Dell and daughter Tina Shumaker were on hand to represent Bill’s family. Judy expressed, “We are honored and humbled by the recognition Bill has been given. Receiving this contribution towards continuing Bill’s work is the best way he could be honored. Thank you.”

Fruth Pharmacy is a regional chain of twenty-eight stores in WV, OH and KY.

For more information about Fruth Pharmacy, visit fruthpharmacy.com 

Thank you from Fruth Pharmacy, Your Hometown, Family Pharmacy.

If you would like to hear more about Bill O’Dell or Lynne Fruth’s advances in their efforts to help the children of their communities and their fight against addiction please contact: Jackie Haynes, Advertising/Graphics Specialist, Fruth Pharmacy at 304-675-1612 ext. 134 or by email  at jhaynes@fruthpharmacy.com.

Point Pleasant, W.Va. This November Fruth Pharmacy is celebrating 70 years in business.

With old-fashioned values and a motto “to do the right thing”, Fruth Pharmacy has been successfully operating for 70 years.

There are so many incredible things to celebrate in this amazing 70-year span. Fruth Pharmacy has seen both good times and bad:  from opening new stores to salvaging store remnants through fire and flood and facing the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic head on. 70 years in business has been a labor of love for the entire Fruth family.

Mr. Jack Fruth left a budding military career at Greenbriar Military Academy when he lost his sight due to measles and pneumonia. After an experimental procedure at the time, Mr. Fruth regained partial vision. No longer eligible to serve in the military, Mr. Fruth set out to embark in a career as a pharmacist.

Losing his sight turned Mr. Fruth’s path in a new direction. He not only gained learning and experience at the Ohio State School of Pharmacy, but Jack also gained a wife, which in turn led to Mr. and Mrs. Fruth building a life together in Point Pleasant, WV. The Fruth’s welcomed five children: Mike, Joan, Carol, Lynne, & John. All five of the Fruth children have actively taken part in growing the business from the first times they can remember.

“When you were tall enough to reach the counter standing on a block, you were able to help by working the cash register,” recalled Joan Fruth, who currently serves as Special Projects Coordinator.

Mr. Fruth was an active community member, helping to set up many other local businesses. He supported community projects and causes for the less fortunate. Mr. Fruth addressed homelessness, set-up scholarships for college bound students, and served his community diligently.

A celebration of business for Fruth Pharmacy is also a celebration of the life of Mr. Jack Fruth and his gifts to the local communities in which Fruth Pharmacy continues to serve.

“Fruth Pharmacy continues its active role in community projects today,” Lynne Fruth, President and Chairman of the Board explained. “Helping members of our community as we are able, stays a driving force for our business. We believe our success comes from the support our customers and employees give us. We simply do our best to return that support.”

Following in her father’s footsteps Lynne Fruth, now President of Fruth Pharmacy, has continued her father’s legacy. One of the special contributions Lynne has brought forward is the Bridge of Hope Fund. The fund is set up to help those in addiction recovery set up a college education and find their way back into the workforce and community.

“Education was important to my parents. We wish to help those with educational goals achieve degrees for a successful future,” said Lynne Fruth who was a successful educator for West Virginia schools before taking over the reins at Fruth Pharmacy.

Lynne and her support team led the way through the Covid-19 Pandemic. Testing sites were set up and Lynne Fruth worked side by side with her team on the front lines. Cold, rainy, sometimes snow, did not hinder the job that lay ahead for Fruth Pharmacy. The team spent their days meeting with community members, helping to ease the minds of those finding the need to assess for Covid-19. During this unprecedented time, the community needed compassion and help. Lynne and her support team were there front and center. Lynne would not have had it any other way.

Fruth Pharmacy was among the first to set up Covid-19 vaccination clinics. Serving the community is at the core of the Fruth family and they have never wavered.

Mike Fruth also shared memories, “Dad believed in helping others and doing what you love. I became a pharmacist myself, not because that is what he wanted, but it was something I had grown to love. He enjoyed helping others and serving the public. A pharmacist gets to interact with the patient in many ways. Many times, the pharmacist becomes the patient’s most valuable healthcare source of information.”

Now 29 stores strong in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky, Lynne Fruth took a moment to reflect, “I don’t think dad had any idea when he started his first store on Jackson Avenue in Point Pleasant, that 70 years later our company would continue to serve the community in Point Pleasant as well as 28 other communities.”

Currently, in a time where many families and businesses are struggling due to the chaotic economy, Fruth Pharmacy clings to its core values. They continue to support local charities and show customers and employees appreciation by hosting events and giving away gifts and prizes. The company reward has been ten-fold as Fruth Pharmacy has been blessed for 70 years with loyal customers and employees. May the traditions of Jack Fruth continue forward, showing kindness and bringing communities together as one.

What do the next 70 years have in store for Fruth Pharmacy? Lynne Fruth answered, “We are going to continue to serve our communities. We will strive to hold up the ideals that my father proven in 1952:  Treat customers and employees with respect, and always do the right thing.”

Point Pleasant, W.Va. – (September 7, 2022) – The annual meeting was held at the beautiful Coeur d’Alene Resort in northern Idaho on August 18-21. Bill Ladwig, SVP of Lewis Drug, was the host of this year’s event which was attended by CEOs, Pharmacy Executives and CFOs from Hi-School Pharmacy, Sav Mor Drug, Osborn Drug, Fruth Pharmacy, Lewis Drug, Hometown Pharmacy -Michigan, Drug Emporium, Hartig Drug and Auburn Pharmacy. The meeting also included a select group of sponsors who enjoyed the ample opportunities to interact with the leaders of the Regional Chains. This year’s sponsors included McKesson, Cardinal, Capsa, Centor, Pharmacist Mutual Insurance and Anda.

The active exchange of best practices and innovative ideas made this meeting a value to all who attended. Some key topics addressed this year were addressing margin compression, 340B opportunities, new retail margin opportunities, labor concerns, pharmacist recruitment, and driving state policies. Each chain had the chance to showcase new practices and areas of pharmacy or operations that are providing positive impacts for their company. Members left the meeting with some tried and true ideas to put into practice at their own company.

Doug Hoey, CEO of NCPA, attended as an invited guest and provided a brief presentation on current pharmacy issues, and Scott Cross, CFO of Lewis Drug provided a presentation on measuring financial metrics in pharmacy.

In addition to two and a half days of meetings, members, sponsors and guests had an opportunity to play golf on the Coeur d’Lane Course, home of the famous floating green. The non-golfers enjoyed bicycle tours, fishing and spa activities. Each meal was a great chance for sponsors and members to discuss pertinent topics and possible opportunities. At the Sunday night event, held on the mountain overlooking the lake, host Bill Ladwig passed the famous napkin to next year’s host Charlie Hartig, CEO of Hartig Drug. Many years ago, a tradition was started of the host signing the napkin and then passing it on to the next year’s host. Charlie Hartig was excited to see his father Dick Hartig’s name along with many older chains like Happy Harry’s, Long’s on the napkin. Hartig plans to host SDSA in the Wisconsin area next August. For Sponsorship opportunities or for chains interested in attending, please contact Charlie Hartig at chartig@hartigdrug.com