[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 28, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING WHITE CROSS PHARMACY AND COMPOUNDING

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho small businesses are the 
backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our communities, but 
rising costs and inflation have brought increased challenges to Main 
Street establishments across our State. This holiday season, I am proud 
to relaunch Support Local Gems All Season Long, a holiday revival of 
the statewide Support Local Gems initiative, to encourage Idahoans to 
do their holiday shopping at the small businesses that make the Gem 
State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee 
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor White 
Cross Pharmacy and Compounding as one of Idaho's Local Gems.
  In 1922, White Cross Pharmacy opened its first location in Priest 
River. In its 101-year history, only five owners have ever operated the 
store, which shows their strong commitment to helping keep our 
communities happy, healthy, and well-informed. Since 1922, the pharmacy 
has grown to serve Sandpoint, Oldtown, and Spirit Lake. Today, Gary de 
Blaquiere, Rich de Blaquiere, and Shannon McGlashan own and operate the 
pharmacy, which truly stands out by providing student work positions 
under hard-working pharmacy staff, who diligently serve the community.
  Due to its rural Idaho location, White Cross Pharmacy, like many 
rural pharmacies, plays a vital role in providing healthcare for 
residents, including the elderly. Rural pharmacies are often the only 
healthcare facility for miles around. In these towns, the pharmacy 
employees treat customers like family, and in turn, customers trust 
pharmacists with critical healthcare services. This is the niche filled 
by White Cross Pharmacy in Oldtown, Priest River, Spirit Lake, and 
Sandpoint.
  White Cross Pharmacy offers patient services ranging from treatment 
protocols for minor and self-limiting ailments to advice on over-the-
counter remedies to guidance on prescription medication. But the 
pharmacy is not stopping there because it is looking to add new 
services to better serve the community. It works to help those in need 
by donating money to assist those who cannot afford their medications 
and actively participating in community events and donating to local 
food banks.
  Congratulations to de Blaquiere Enterprises, Inc., and all of the 
employees at White Cross Pharmacy. You are an outstanding example of 
what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State 
proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.

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