News & Events

#LookBeyond recently recognized Pharmacy Manager David Gysin and the staff of OptiMed Pharmacy on Oakland Drive for pledging as an organization to #BeStigmaFree. With Opal the Owl in attendance, the group posed for a photo and received an award plaque, yard signs, t-shirts and more to celebrate being a Stigma-Free Zone.

OptiMed is a specialty pharmacy, uniquely qualified to handle medications that are considered to be high-cost or high-risk and are used to treat complex medical conditions such as hepatitis C, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, immunodeficiency and more. Gysin notes that it’s extremely important for pharmacists to avoid stigma when serving people living with conditions like HIV.

The team joins several other local organizations that have taken the #LookBeyond pledge, including the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, ASK Family Services, Recovery Institute of Southwest Michigan and Gryphon Place.

We love to recognize pledged organizations (including businesses, schools, nonprofits, providers, faith communities, etc.) with a #LookBeyond award plaque, t-shirts, “Proud to #BeStigmaFree” signs, decals, a photo opportunity with one of our owl mascots, a news release and more. There’s no charge. Find out how to become a Stigma-Free Zone HERE!