St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health Acquire Arnzen Super Drug

In a significant move to bolster healthcare services in north-central Idaho, St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health have announced the acquisition of Arnzen Super Drug, Inc.. This purchase includes the pharmacies located in Cottonwood, Kamiah, and Orofino, marking a pivotal moment for healthcare in the region.

Founded in 1890, Arnzen Super Drug has a rich history of over 135 years of providing essential pharmacy services. The acquisition aims to honor the legacy built by Rod Arnzen and his team, who have long been fixtures in the community, known for their dedication to rural healthcare.

Lenne Bonner, CEO of both St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health, expressed gratitude for the strong foundation established by Arnzen’s. “We are incredibly grateful for the foundation that Arnzen’s has established over the past 135 years,” Bonner stated. She emphasized their commitment to carry this mission forward, ensuring that essential pharmacy services are not only maintained but also expanded.

In support of the transition, Arnzen remarked, “I am so excited to see the Arnzen legacy continue forward with Kootenai Health, St. Mary’s Health, and Clearwater Valley Health.” He highlighted that this change would ensure his patients continue to receive exceptional local care from familiar staff members.

The pharmacies will retain their current staff and personalized services, minimizing disruption for patients. Over time, the partnership is expected to enhance resources, improve coordination of care, and enable further investment in local pharmacy services. Bonner assured the community that more information regarding the transition would be shared, with no anticipated disruptions to patient services.

This acquisition represents a concerted effort by St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health to strengthen healthcare delivery in the region. The organizations are committed to honoring Arnzen’s legacy while expanding their service offerings to better meet the needs of their patients.

In related local news, the Idaho County Commission recently discussed ongoing projects and budget implications. During a meeting on December 9, 2023, County IT Manager Mike Brown informed commissioners about an additional cost of $26,000 for completing the new jail facility. This increase is due to the need for essential network equipment that is crucial for operational internet services.

Brown described the requirement for a “least viable network” to ensure functionality upon opening. County commissioners approved the necessary equipment and installation to facilitate this.

Additionally, Mike Cook, airport manager, reported on upcoming construction projects, including an independent fee estimate for a planned apron construction project at the local airport. This estimate is mandated by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations to ensure contract costs are reasonable before finalizing federally funded projects.

Discussions also included the need for improved communication systems for field crews, as current methods have proven inefficient. Guy VonBargen, road and bridges supervisor, highlighted issues with telephone communications in remote areas, suggesting that alternatives such as Starlink satellite services could enhance reliability.

The county’s commitment to transparency and effective communication remains strong, with future proposals and recommendations expected to be presented at upcoming commission meetings.