From a young age, Melanie Loftus was taught about the importance of community and helping those around her. It’s what helped guide her to live a life of service, professionally and personally.
"I am a very driven individual and pursue excellence, not only in the things that I do, but also in my character," Loftus said. "My faith and the sense of integrity instilled in me while growing up plays a large role in who I am today, not only as a pharmacist, but as a person as well."
Loftus is the Pharmacy Manager at Club 4963 in Chillicothe, Ohio and was named Sam’s Club’s Pharmacist of the Year for FY21. Her manager, Thomas Miller, said she represents all the values of the company and her desire to serve is electrifying.
"Her personal leadership philosophy to be authentic and serving has connected with her team, club, and community in an amazing way," Miller said. "She is truly a servant leader as is exemplified in her dedication to talent development and her commitment to serving her community."
Loftus has been working hard the last two years towards opening a charitable pharmacy to better serve those living in her community of Chillicothe. She used Sam’s Club and Walmart’s Live Better U (LBU) program to obtain a business administration degree with a concentration in non-profit management. She graduated this past May. The charitable pharmacy obtained licensure in July 2021 and is expected to open in November 2021.
I am excited to finally be able to help those who cannot afford their medications. I have seen people sacrifice their health due to their financial status far too many times.
The charitable pharmacy will dispense medications for free to anyone 300% FPL or less who is uninsured or unable to afford prescription copays. In addition, it’ll help those >300% FPL if their monthly expenses equal or exceed their income.
"Melanie is an extremely caring, authentic and dedicated person," Miller said. "She feels an obligation to her members, associates and community to provide first in class pharmacy services and care."
Melanie is one of those associates you want doing exactly what she does best – serving others. In fact, because of associates like Melanie, Sam’s Club recently was ranked highest in Customer Satisfaction with Mass Merchandiser Pharmacies by the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Pharmacy Study. You can read more about the award here.
