The nation’s largest drug retailing chain Walgreens opened a new location in South Paterson on Tuesday morning.
Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres cut the ribbon on the new store located at 740 Main Street just steps away from St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center.
“This is our third location in Paterson, and in this particular part of town, we’re really going to help and we’re very close to St. Joe’s hospital to augment what they have been doing to the community for their patients, and our patients,” said James F. Ward, area healthcare supervisor at Walgreens.
Ward said Walgreens has two other locations in the city on Preakness Avenue and East 18th Street.
This 10,000 square feet location is by far the largest. 30 jobs were created from this location and in total there are 120 Walgreen employees in Paterson.
Torres stressed the importance of having a wellness center in the neighborhood. “In this neighborhood wellness center is very unique because it’s neighborhood friendly,” said Torres. “And also more importantly to support continuing wellness programs in healthcare because it’s so vital to every urban center.”
A small group of residents as well as officials from the nearby medical center joined in on the ribbon cutting. President of St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center Kevin J. Slavin welcomed a partnership between the new pharmacy and his hospital. The pharmacy being this close to the hospital will benefit handicapped patients and those unable to leave the hospital from door to door prescription deliveries.
Lorenz Qose, the new store’s manager, said the store’s ultimate goal is to make sure that everybody is happy, healthy, and stays healthy.