MCAS Cherry Point  –   Teamwork and a collective eagerness to share success form the foundation of a critical component in the medical readiness of units stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and the wellbeing of communities surrounding the base.

Sailors and civilians serving aboard the Pharmacy at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point form a tight-knit team who understand their critical role in the care of uniformed and civilian patients while balancing customer service and safety.

“The staff members of Cherry Point Pharmacy is what makes the pharmacy so successful,” said Hospitalman Sophia Crews.

“We work together as a team to always guarantee we have a positive work environment and day-to-day workflow.”

The pharmacy serves as a nexus for the clinic’s various departments treating active duty service members, reservists, retirees and beneficiaries. Often, a visit to pharmacy is the final stop for a patient receiving treatment in the clinic or part of their daily errands.

Pharmacy holds the clinic together because it provides an essential function necessary for all other departments to function and is critical to accomplishing the daily mission, says Ms. Maria Augusto.

“Teamwork between active duty and civilian technicians and helping each other to achieve the pharmacy main goal; to deliver an outstanding customer service to our beneficiaries,” said Mr. Ernesto Soriano about what makes the facility so successful.

Trust and coordination among team members is crucial to ensure the correct dispensation of prescriptions, many of them for patients managing pain. Checks and balances between pharmacists, inventory supply specialists and technicians ensures patients receive the correct amount and type of pain medications.

The facility also plays a key role in the medical readiness of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, headquartered on MCAS Cherry Point.

“Our efficiency in regards to 2nd MAW is beyond vital when it comes to caring for our active duty [service members]. The service we offer assists our active duty member’s return to duty in a timely manner through the medications given in their recovery, as well as the timeliness in our service at the pharmacy to help them get back to their jobs during the day,” said Ms. Sabita Murray. “We also play a vital role in getting meds for deployments and training.”

The Cherry Point Pharmacy will continue to function in a crucial role MCAS Cherry Point’s future as the base continues preparations to receive the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter while addressing continuing concerns about COVID-19.

“Over my years here, this pharmacy has grown and continues to do so,” said Murray. “The service we provide for the base and surrounding communities is essential for the active duty service members to continue to perform their duties and also vital in the continued care of our retirees and all family members.