IPC Member Spotlight: Mace’s Pharmacy
When Rich and Kathy Mace opened Mace’s Pharmacy in 2002, they set out with a simple purpose: serve their community whenever a need arises. Nearly 25 years later, that purpose remains unchanged.
Located in the heart of Barbour County, West Virginia, Mace’s Pharmacy has become far more than a place to fill prescriptions. It has become a trusted community partner, a healthcare resource, an advocate for patients, and a gathering place where relationships are built one conversation at a time. That commitment recently earned Mace’s Pharmacy one of the industry’s highest honors: the 2026 Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year award.
Mace’s Pharmacy – 2026 Pharmacy of the Year
Selected from nearly 4,000 Health Mart pharmacies nationwide, the recognition celebrates pharmacies that demonstrate exceptional patient care, innovation, community leadership, operational excellence, and advocacy for independent pharmacy. For Rich Mace, however, the award reflects something much bigger than business success.
“This recognition is deeply meaningful to us,” he said. “We give all glory and credit to God. Without Him, we wouldn’t have a business. We pray daily for guidance in both our professional and personal lives, and this award feels like a confirmation that we’re on the right path.”
That path has always been rooted in faith, family, and service.
Rich Mace, RPh & Kathy Mace
For the Mace family, pharmacy has never been limited to what happens behind the counter. Their mission is simple: identify a need and find a way to help. Sometimes that means helping patients navigate insurance challenges, resolve medication issues, or access needed treatments. Other times, it means stepping into roles few would expect a pharmacy owner to take on.
One of the examples Rich recalls most proudly had nothing to do with prescriptions.
When the local middle school band program was suddenly left without a teacher, the future of the program was in jeopardy. Instead of watching it disappear, Mace’s Pharmacy stepped in.
“For nearly three-quarters of a school year, we taught band class every day,” Rich said. “Seeing the excitement from the students, the gratitude from parents, and the appreciation from school staff reminded us how powerful it can be when a local business invests directly in its community.”
That mindset of solving problems has become the defining characteristic of Mace’s Pharmacy.
“We are, at our core, problem solvers,” Rich explained. “We work hard to remove barriers for our patients, our community, and our business partners. Patient advocacy is central to who we are. We take the extra steps to resolve issues others might overlook.”
Those extra steps have created lasting trust throughout the community. Families who trusted Mace’s Pharmacy years ago now bring their children and grandchildren through the same doors, creating relationships that span generations.
Patients know they will find more than medication services. They will find people who listen, care, and look for solutions.
That spirit extends throughout the organization, where Rich and Kathy have worked intentionally to create a culture that supports both employees and patients.
“We’re blessed with an incredible team,” Rich said. “We listen to their needs and invest in technology that improves efficiency and accuracy, which helps them serve patients with confidence.”
The investment goes beyond software and automation. Mace’s Pharmacy prioritizes creating meaningful connections among team members through company outings, picnics, dinners, bowling nights, Top Golf events, pool parties, and even a memorable roller-skating adventure.
Matthew Mace, Kathy Mace, Rich Mace, Lydia Davis, and Noah Davis at Final Night Party at McKesson ideaShare
“That last one pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Rich joked, “but it gave us plenty of laughs.”
The result is a team that feels valued, supported, and empowered to deliver exceptional patient care every day.
Strong relationships also play a critical role in Mace’s Pharmacy’s continued success. Over the years, IPC has served as a trusted partner, helping the pharmacy navigate growth opportunities and support its patients more effectively.
Mace’s Pharmacy utilizes the IPC Warehouse as a secondary wholesaler alongside McKesson and has leveraged IPC resources ranging from business guidance to strategic support.
“When we opened our second location, IPC showed up in person to support our grand opening,” Rich said. “They’re also a valuable resource when we explore new opportunities or consider adding new services. Their team brings deep knowledge and genuine willingness to help whenever we need guidance.”
Beyond the pharmacy itself, Mace’s Pharmacy remains deeply engaged in efforts that strengthen healthcare access across rural communities. The pharmacy actively supports state and federal legislative efforts that protect independent pharmacy and patient access to care. It also administers an in-house 340B program supporting a local Federally Qualified Health Center, helping improve healthcare access and oversight for underserved populations.
Yet despite the awards, growth, and accomplishments, Rich remains focused on what comes next.
“Looking forward, we’re excited to continue serving God and following His direction for our business and our community,” he said. “We keep our ears open and our problem-solving mindset ready, trusting that when a need arises, we’ll be prepared to step in and help.”
That philosophy has guided Mace’s Pharmacy for nearly a quarter century. It has strengthened families, supported patients, uplifted schools, empowered employees, and earned the trust of an entire community.
The 2026 Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year award recognizes excellence, but for those who know Mace’s Pharmacy, it simply validates what Barbour County has known for years: when a need arises, Rich, Kathy, and their team will find a way to help.
And that may be their greatest accomplishment of all.
