The Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Kinston Community Pharmacy located at 324 North Queen Street. 

"We are so excited about this," said Vickie Jones, Executive Director of the chamber. "This is something that's been a vision for a while. It's actually come to fruition. It will be such a great asset for our patients and our community."

Bradley Trabookis, with 13 years experience in the pharmacy industry, is the PharmaD Pharmacist in Charge. He is a graduate from Medical university of South Carolina with a Doctorate of Pharmacy and Clemson University with a BS in Packaging Science. He's originally from Greenville, SC. 

"I’m excited to open the community pharmacy," said Trabookis. "I can’t wait to serve the patients here. We couldn’t be happier to help the people of Kinston."

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, KCHC Director of Patient Community Development and Patient Support Programs Anna Kinsey recognized a local leader for his efforts. 

"The support from our civic leaders and our community leaders enable us to do what we do," said Kinsey as she presented Senator Jim Perry with a Community Health Advocate of the Year Award. 

"I really appreciate this recognition," said Perry, who received the award because of his leadership and support for the Medication Cost Transparency Act and other legislative work that has supported healthcare. "Everyone in North Carolina has healthcare, everyone has healthcare. Unfortunately most of it is catastrophic care. That's not the best way to provide healthcare. Primary care is very important."

The Kinston Community Pharmacy will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm. The Kinston Community Health Center pharmacy strives to make prescription medications more accessible to patients at an affordable cost.