By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
In the heart of Toledo’s Junction neighborhood, at 1339 Dorr Street, Unit A, a small but mighty pharmacy is redefining healthcare for the community. Junction Family Pharmacy, owned and operated by Dr. Anthony Pattin, PharmD, offers more than prescriptions; it provides personalized care, education, and a renewed sense of hope for an underserved area.
Dr. Pattin, a Toledo native and graduate of Central Catholic High School, combines nearly two decades of experience as a pharmacist, professor and researcher to serve his hometown. With a mission to address health disparities and create equitable access to healthcare, he’s turning Junction Family Pharmacy into a community cornerstone.
A Personal Inspiration
For Dr. Pattin, pharmacy was a calling that began in high school. “I had an elderly neighbor struggling to manage her medications,” he recalls. “After helping her, she told me, ‘You should consider pharmacy. Have you heard of Ella P. Stewart?’”
That moment ignited a spark. Inspired by Stewart, the first African American woman to own a pharmacy in Toledo, Dr. Pattin set his sights on a career in pharmacy.
A natural-born math and science enthusiast, he found his calling early on. “When I started, I worked at an independent pharmacy,” he shares. “I attended the University of Toledo’s Pharmacy Camp during my senior year of high school and began working at Glenbyrne Pharmacy when I was 17.” That hands-on experience, combined with his passion for helping others, solidified his decision to pursue a career in pharmacy.
Dr. Pattin earned both his undergraduate degree in pharmaceutical sciences and his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Toledo. After graduating in 2009, he further honed his clinical expertise through the Community Pharmacy Residency Program with Kroger. These foundational experiences laid the groundwork for his innovative approach to healthcare
“My journey has taken me to places like Wayne State University and the University at Buffalo SUNY, where I held teaching roles,” he shares. “But my heart always belonged to my hometown. I knew I wanted to return home and make a difference here in Toledo.”
Filling a Void in the Community
When several major Rite Aid locations closed in Toledo, a pharmacy desert was created, leaving residents with fewer options for medication and care. “I saw an opportunity to fill that void,” Dr. Pattin explains. “We provide an access point where patients can come in and speak directly to a pharmacist—or even call and have someone who listens.”
Junction Family Pharmacy isn’t just a place to pick up prescriptions. It’s a clinically oriented pharmacy where pharmacists are considered healthcare providers under Ohio law. “We’re excited to offer billing for counseling services and other clinical offerings,” he says.
Dr. Pattin’s focus is on improving medication adherence and outcomes. “It’s not enough to just take your medication,” he emphasizes. “We want to ensure it’s effective, appropriate and helping you achieve optimal health.”
Tackling Health Disparities
As an African American pharmacist, Dr. Pattin is uniquely positioned to address the healthcare disparities that disproportionately affect communities of color. “Research shows that having healthcare providers who look like you leads to better health outcomes,” he notes. “It’s also important to have staff who reflect the community—they help patients feel understood and supported.”
Dr. Pattin’s work is a counter to unconscious bias in healthcare, which can lead to disparities in treatment. “We focus on building relationships and trust with our patients,” he explains. “When people know you care, they’re more likely to engage in their health.”
Innovative Services and Research
Dr. Pattin’s dedication to evidence-based practices is a cornerstone of his pharmacy. His research in 2018 focused on immunizations in African American communities, uncovering gaps in access and awareness. “I found that some pharmacies in Black communities didn’t even offer vaccines,” he says. “It wasn’t that people didn’t want them—they simply weren’t available.”
At Junction Family Pharmacy, he applies his findings to improve care. Services include medication synchronization, which helps patients on multiple medications streamline their prescriptions into a single monthly visit. “If someone takes five medications, they shouldn’t have to come to the pharmacy five separate times,” he explains. “We look at the bigger picture to make things easier for our patients.”
The pharmacy also offers medication counseling and health education. Dr. Pattin is passionate about using his platform to empower patients with knowledge. “When you understand your medications and health, you’re more likely to stick to your treatment plan,” he says.
Community Impact
Dr. Pattin’s commitment to the Junction neighborhood goes beyond healthcare. He envisions the pharmacy as a hub for community engagement and education.
“I look forward to connecting with local pastors in hopes to create a coalition promoting health awareness,” he shares. “Pastors have a significant influence in the Black community, and I know they can help spread these important health messages in our underserved areas.”
Pattin’s dedication to mentorship is equally inspiring. He’s currently creating partnerships with institutions like the University of Toledo and Wayne State University to provide pharmacy students with opportunities to shadow, learn, and grow. “It’s important to train the next generation and pass on what I’ve learned,” he says, expressing his commitment to shaping future healthcare professionals.
A Family Affair
Junction Family Pharmacy is more than a business; it’s a family venture. Dr. Pattin’s wife, Carla, is a professor, author and gardening coach. Together, they’re raising their six-year-old daughter in a home rooted in community and service.
Opening the pharmacy has been a labor of love, met with overwhelming support. “The response on social media was incredible,” Dr. Pattin says. “People are excited to have a Black-owned pharmacy in the neighborhood.”
Looking Ahead
“I have big dreams for Junction Family Pharmacy,” says Pattin. In addition to expanding services, he hopes to foster a deeper connection with the community. “We’re here to stay, and we want to be a trusted resource for health and wellness,” he says.
His advice for aspiring pharmacists and entrepreneurs is simple: “Do your research, stay focused and don’t be afraid to take risks. The work is challenging, but the impact is worth it.”
You Matter
Dr. Pattin sums it up best: “This pharmacy isn’t just about filling prescriptions. It’s about filling a need in our community—one patient at a time.”
As you consider your own healthcare needs, ask yourself: Do you feel truly supported by your current pharmacy? Are your questions answered? Do you feel seen and understood?
At Junction Family Pharmacy, those aren’t just ideals—they’re the standard. Whether you’re picking up a prescription or seeking guidance, you’ll find Dr. Pattin listening, caring, and going the extra mile.
Junction Family Pharmacy is open 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Follow them on Facebook for updates.