News Summary
Dalton Pharmacy, a family-owned institution in Slocomb, Alabama, has served the community for 122 years. Founded by Jep P. Dalton in 1903, the pharmacy has adapted over generations to provide essential services and products while fostering strong community ties. With a focus on customer service, it remains a vital resource for health management, especially for seniors. Despite challenges facing independent pharmacies, the Dalton family is committed to maintaining their legacy and providing accessible medications to the community.
Slocomb, Alabama — Dalton Pharmacy, a cherished local institution, has been a staple of the Slocomb community for 122 years. Founded in 1903 by Jep P. Dalton, the pharmacy has remained a family-owned operation through four generations. Originally opened to support Dalton’s medical practice, the pharmacy has adapted over the years to provide a wider range of products and services while establishing a solid presence in the community.
Visitors to Dalton Pharmacy are greeted not only by friendly faces but also by a piece of history—a cash register dating back to the pharmacy’s early days. Since its inception during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency, the business has remained committed to serving the community, both through health-related services and a variety of products that now include jewelry, gifts, ice cream, and school textbooks.
After Jep’s passing in 1930, his wife, Mantye Hollis Dalton, took over the operations until their son, Charles Hollis Dalton, graduated from Auburn University with a degree in pharmacy in 1934. Charles led the pharmacy until his younger brother, Paul Dalton, who graduated from pharmacy school in 1942 after serving in the navy, took the reins. Paul ran the pharmacy for six decades and was known for his unwavering commitment, never missing a day of work. The business is currently led by Joe Dalton, Paul’s son, and his son, Tyler Dalton, representing the fourth generation of the Dalton family in pharmacy.
The pharmacy’s focus has evolved from simply dispensing medicines to providing invaluable customer service and developing longstanding relationships with community members. These personal connections help the pharmacy stand out against larger competition, such as big-box pharmacies located around 20 miles away in Dothan. Many residents appreciate the fact that they know their pharmacists personally, which enhances the feeling of trust within the community.
Dalton Pharmacy plays a vital role in medication management and consultation services, particularly for seniors who often face barriers to accessing their medications due to limited mobility or lack of internet access. For many elderly residents, the pharmacy is an essential lifeline, even offering delivery services to their homes. This dedication to serving seniors has made a significant impact, as they struggle to navigate opportunities that larger pharmacies might offer.
However, the landscape for independent pharmacies is becoming increasingly challenging. In recent years, banks of regulations and extensive insurance policies have put significant financial strain on such businesses. Dalton Pharmacy has found itself compelled to adapt to changes in regulations and a shift from cash-driven transactions to a primarily insurance-driven model, creating an unsustainable structure for many independent pharmacies. Currently, over 20% of the prescriptions filled at Dalton Pharmacy are done so at a loss, amplifying challenges faced by the family-run business.
Tyler Dalton, who began working in the pharmacy as a child, emphasizes the crucial role that local pharmacists play in the community. He notes that large retail pharmacies and online dispensaries may not offer the same level of care and medication management that their community pharmacy provides. Additionally, both Joe and Tyler advocate for fair legislation aimed at ensuring independent pharmacies receive adequate compensation for the medications dispensed, facilitating the necessary changes to protect their operation and the service they provide to the public.
Dalton Pharmacy is just one part of a broader business managed by the Dalton family, which oversees nine pharmacy locations across Alabama, operating under various names. Despite facing numerous challenges, the family remains committed to preserving the long-standing legacy of their pharmacy, highlighting the mission of making medications affordable and accessible for all community members.
This story serves to illustrate the enduring nature of family-run businesses, particularly in small towns like Slocomb, where local pharmacies serve as critical access points for healthcare and community support.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Yellowhammer News: Dalton Pharmacy
- Wikipedia: Pharmacy
- WDHN: Slocomb Pharmacy
- Google Search: Independent Pharmacies
- Alabama News Center: Dalton Pharmacy History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pharmaceutical Industry
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
