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Alice Gebert quit smoking three years ago when she was hospitalized with emphysema, but hopes her role at Brennan Pharmacy's promotion Thursday was more than ceremonial.
Gebert, who carries and uses a portable oxygen tank, was one of a few dozen people who helped the pharmacy load their remaining tobacco products into an awaiting hearse as part of Brennan Pharmacy's decision to no longer sell tobacco products.
The decision coincides with the Warsaw store's emerging segment of wellness products and services.
Gebert was one of the several customers who had been urging the store to discontinue selling cigarettes and other tobacco items.
"I hope it's more than symbolic. I hope people take it to heart," she said.
Gebert said she used to be flippant years ago when people mentioned the health dangers of smoking. But with the onset of emphysema, her outlook changed.
"It's entirely different after you get this. It's not reversible. It doesn't go away. You can't fix it like a broken leg," she said.
Jim Brennan, president of the company, agreed those who formerly bought cigarettes at the store will likely go elsewhere.
"Certainly they can go somewhere else. ... It's just a statement of our commitment to your health," Brennan said. "If it's inconvenient for them to go somewhere else, maybe that will make a difference."
He said customers had told him they believed it was contradictory to offer wellness products and still sell cigarettes.
Brennan pointed out that he is part of a changing outlook about smoking. As a youth, he used to help his father stock cigarette shelves at the store.
His father, Bob, died two years ago.
"He'd be very proud to know we're getting rid of cigarettes," Brennan said.
Among those attending today's event was Dr. Edward Heler, president of the American Lung Association of Indiana, who called Brennan's decision "courageous."
"There are some pharmacies that have never had them, but this is the first I know who had a revenue stream from tobacco and cut it off," Heler said.
Brennan's isn't the only pharmacy in Warsaw that doesn't sell tobacco products.
Pill Box Pharmacy co-owner Sherry Winn said they've never sold tobacco products at the Warsaw store. The company's Mentone store discontinued the sale about 10 years ago.
"We have to feel good about the products we're recommending," Winn said.
A spokesman for Revco pharmacy in Warsaw said the store's sale to CVS might well lead to a reduced level of tobacco sales.
