Wegmans is offering free prescription delivery services to customers of its Chestnut Hill pharmacy, which is closing Saturday.
Jeff Freilich, who started a petition asking Wegmans to keep the pharmacy open, has been working with Julie Lenhard, the supermarket chain’s pharmacy services vice president, to spread the word about the concierge service to customers. Lenhard would not agree to an interview, but Wegmans emailed a statement about the decision to develop this service.
“As a direct result of the customer feedback we’ve received, we are introducing the concierge level of service for our Chestnut Hill pharmacy customers designed to provide convenient delivery of prescriptions that require immediate attention, continuity of care, and personal support,” senior public relations coordinator Mandee Puleo wrote.
Customers who have maintenance medications at the Chestnut Hill Wegmans can opt into a free home-delivery service, through which medication will be mailed to the person’s mailbox. Those interested should call the Chestnut Hill Wegmans at 617-762-2045.
Customers whose medication requires special handling, such as refrigeration, will have access to free store-based delivery services. Home delivery would be provided by an employee at the Wegmans pharmacy in Westwood. Those interested should call the Westwood Wegmans at 781-234-0345.
These services will be available for Chestnut Hill customers for an indefinite amount of time, according to Wegmans.
“I know this isn’t what everyone was hoping for,” Freilich said. “But I think at least in my opinion, it was a reasonable offer and something that seems to help.”
There are no signs about the concierge service at the Chestnut Hill location. Freilich has emailed the information to everyone who signed his petition.
“I am still a little bit uncomfortable not knowing if we’re reaching everybody,” Freilich said.
The company said the company is closing the pharmacy to make space for more grocery areas.
The closure sparked controversy in the community, and more than 1,000 people signed Freilich’s petition since he created it Feb. 11. Government officials including state Rep. Greg Schwartz of Newton have expressed support for the effort to keep the pharmacy open.
This story is part of a partnership between Brookline.News and the Boston University Department of Journalism.