Written by Samantha Roy, RXinsider
On a crisp morning in Providence, we stepped through the doors of Green Line Apothecary, feeling like we had journeyed back in time — but with a delightful twist! Established in 2016 by Christina Procaccianti and her husband, Ken Procaccianti, this charming establishment graces a bustling street just outside downtown Providence. As we embarked on a tour of the facility, engaging in conversation with Christina herself, we were treated to a delightful surprise — homemade ice cream crafted with organic ingredients. Join us as we delve into the story behind this unique independent pharmacy and uncover the secrets to its enduring charm.
The Story Behind Green Line Apothecary
You often hear, “my father was a pharmacist” or “my grandfather opened this pharmacy” but that is not the story behind Green Line Apothecary. Christina Procaccianti’s father was a greeting card salesman, and when she was young, he would get her jobs changing the cards over, where she found herself wandering to the store and falling in love with the environment. She grew up in the pharmacy world and after graduation, went to Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Procaccianti worked in chains and hospitals but always had a calling for independent pharmacy, especially after working for a family-owned independent chain based in Rhode Island. She had such a positive experience working there, but it was time to branch out and do her own thing, her version. rocaccianti and her husband, opened Green Line Apothecary in April 2016 in Wakefield, RI. Their modern interpretation of a classic American drugstore. A big part of that was the recreation of the soda fountain with real fountains from the 1940s that were rescued, restored, and brought back to life. After success with their initial location, they opened an additional pharmacy in Providence, RI, in 2019. In May 2021, they moved their flagship pharmacy in Wakefield into a larger facility a couple doors down.
Personalized Service at Green Line Apothecary vs. Traditional Independent Pharmacies
With big chains vertically integrating, Green Line wants to be the alternative and create a different experience for patients and customers down to the soda fountain, a curated selection of products, and tailored relationships with patients. As a common phrase in pharmacy, “pharmacist-recommended,” Procaccianti takes pride that every product on the shelf is “Christina-recommended” and hand selected by herself and her staff of pharmacists. Due to her background in integrative medicine, they carry alternative, natural, or homeopathic brands.
At Green Line, pharmacists are powered to practice to the fullest extent of their licenses, making them a true piece of the continuum of care for the patient’s journey. Given these principles at the core, it’s only natural for Green Line to progress by expanding its operations and introducing a pharmacist-led medical clinic in 2024, Green Line Express.
Balancing Innovation and Nostalgia
While the interior of Green Line takes you back in time, the technology and management of the working pharmacy are very much in the future. Acquiring a robot proved immensely beneficial as they were overwhelmed by production demands. Now Procaccianti’s staff has the flexibility to do clinical services and have consultations with patients, allowing them to have that personalized service without being bogged down by production.
Green Line also integrates software with their adherence packaging Green Line Supply Pill Packs. Using technology to assist them and eliminate the manual process, ultimately helping their patients stay compliant with medication in vials, multi-dose, or single-pill packs.
Delivering Convenience — Exploring Green Line Apothecary’s Delivery Services
Prior to COVID-19, Green Line was delivering to their customers in style in a ‘49 Chevy named “Clara,” and it was a busy part of their business. However, once COVID hit they were able to be nimble, and overnight they went from having one car to 13 cars on the road. They now have a fleet of drivers and do hundreds of free deliveries a day. Being in the small state of RI with two locations, they are able to deliver state-wide quicker than Amazon!
“People want to support local businesses, but they don’t want to go without the convenience, they don’t want it to cost more, and they like the convenience of what the large stores have to offer. So Green Line is offering all those things”, said Procaccianti.
Integrative Medicine Expertise
Procaccianti’s approach to integrative medicine is “not about extremes.” Whether it’s the realm of pharmaceuticals or the belief that rainbows and butterflies can solve all woes, she contends that the majority of practicing pharmacists occupy a middle ground. Specializing in preventative medicine and advocating for vaccines, she also encourages a balanced approach. While endorsing conventional treatments, she suggests exploring alternatives such as herbal remedies or eliminating additives like Red Dye 40.
Advice for Pharmacy Diversification
There’s no better way to wait for your prescription than with a fountain soda or homemade ice cream prepared the old-fashioned way, using the pump-and-jerk method.
At Green Line, they say the services speak for themselves. Procaccianti is a true believer that you cannot rely solely on your prescription volume, reimbursement are not trending positively these days, and you must diversify your other offerings. Examples Green Line sees success in includes customized OTC product selection, the fountain, and heading into the medical clinic space. “Just don’t get left behind”, Procaccianti declared with confidence.
About Christina Procaccianti, PharmD, Founder, CEO, and Director of Pharmacy at Green Line Apothecary
Inspired by her childhood, Dr. Procaccianti set out to reimagine the classic American drugstore. In 2016, Dr. Procaccianti founded Green Line Apothecary, the fast-growing, independently-owned healthcare company that combines the nostalgic personalized service of vintage drugstores with the efficiency of modern pharmacy. She leads a team of over 100 people that orchestrate its elegant brick-and-mortar stores, robust delivery and e-commerce infrastructure, long-term care pharmacy services, curated health and wellness products, and the scratch-made food and ice cream served at its retro soda fountains.
A 2007 graduate of Northeastern University with a Doctorate of Pharmacy, Dr. Procaccianti has been the recipient of numerous accolades and is a devoted member of the communities she serves. She is a New Jersey native, now residing in RI with her husband and their three daughters.
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