Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette Aspirus Clinic Houghton's Drive Thru Pharmacy opened Monday.

HOUGHTON – Aspirus Houghton Clinic Pharmacy’s Drive-Thru became operational Monday. This marks a key component of the ongoing $5 million renovation and expansion project at Aspirus’ Houghton Clinic, Aspirus said in a Monday statement. The new service is designed to enhance efficiency, improve access, and elevate the overall patient experience. The Houghton clinic is the first retail pharmacy in the Aspirus Health system to add this option.

Aspirus Health announced last April, a $5 million renovation and expansion project at the Houghton Clinic. The Aspirus statement said the initiative is designed to improve efficiency, access and the overall patient experience. The release indicates that Aspirus underscores its dedication to addressing the growing health care needs in the Keweenaw and surrounding areas. Onsite work began in late April with an estimated completion date of this month.

Abby Johnson, pharmacy manager at Aspirus Houghton, said the drive-thru opened at 8:30 a.m. yesterday, and has seen a steady line of vehicles. The reason for the expansion, she said, was the pharmacy had outgrown its original space.

“We’ve seen quite a few customers just coming from all over the community,” she said,” and we’re trying to match that increase in volume. It was a kind of a shoe box,it was much smaller. We have, I think, tripled the size of our pharmacy work area, so we’re hoping for a good bit of increase in business to follow that.”

In its Monday statement, Aspirus Health said drive-thru pharmacies have grown increasingly popular nationwide as communities look for safer, quicker, and more convenient ways to access essential healthcare services.

With the demands of everyday life – work, school, family responsibilities, and busy schedules, patients are seeking streamlined options that save time and simplify their day. Drive-thru services reduce the need for individuals to leave their vehicles, making prescription pickup easier for people who are immuno-compromised, have mobility challenges, or are caring for young children. By integrating a drive-thru model, Aspirus is aligning with modern pharmacy trends that prioritize patient convenience, efficiency, and improved service flow.

The Drive-Thru Pharmacy provides patients with a convenient and efficient option for prescription pickup, the statement says, especially during the temporary closure of the pharmacy’s walk-in storefront which will remain under construction for approximately six more weeks. While interior renovations continue, the drive-thru will operate at full capacity to ensure uninterrupted service for community members.