PHOENIX, AZ

Melrose Pharmacy is making a $100 donation for each HIV client who transfers to the independent pharmacy. Donated funds will go to Aunt Rita’s Foundation for the Phoenix AIDS Walk which raises money for 16 local AIDS organizations.

Having worked with many people living with HIV/AIDS, Pharmacist and owner, Teresa Stickler wanted to do something more in honor of her clients. “Most of the agencies that provide assistance to HIV/AIDS clients are struggling for funds. The AIDS Walk 2009 not only distributes funds to the agencies in need, it also raises awareness of a disease that many of us have forgotten over the years.”

Aunt Rita’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven nonprofit charity that raises money funds for Central Arizona Agencies that either have programs to prevent HIV/AIDS or assist those living with HIV/AIDS. The foundation does this primarily through two signature events whose purpose is to raise money and to promote awareness of HIV/AIDS; SAVORlife and the Phoenix AIDS Walk.

“Melrose Pharmacy was one of the first local businesses to sponsor AIDS Walk 2008,” said long-time activist, Kirk Baxter. “Teresa and her staff consistently provide quality service and have very much become a welcomed addition to our community.”

Melrose Pharmacy is one of a handful of pharmacies that compounds medications, which is sometimes helpful for people living with HIV/AIDS. Pharmacy compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medication for patients. Each compounded prescription is created to the prescriber’s specifications to meet the patient’s unique needs and improve patient compliance and outcomes. Using commercially available products, high tech molds, bulk chemicals, and new drug delivery systems, Melrose can compound medications that give the prescriber control of the dosage form and strength of medication.

“If the patient is allergic to fillers, dyes, preservatives, or other additives we can make medications allergy free, lactose free, alcohol free, and sugar free. We can also make commercially unavailable preparations. If the patient has difficulty swallowing pills we have a solution.”

For more information call Stickler at 602-277-4714, or go to Melrose Pharmacy. Melrose Pharmacy is located at 704 W Montecito Ave in Phoenix.

Courtesy: ‘N Touch

The club AREA Phoenix has reopened under the name of Stratus just in time to host the 2009 Adonis party.

AREA closed its doors amid scandal during 2008.   AREA was a joint venture between Michael Keener and Kevin Andrews.  Kevin Andrews  was a club promoter and owner of Andrews Lighting for clubs and events.   Prior to the AREA venture, Andrews  produced many successful  events at another venue in downtown Phoenix called Ice House.

Business partner Michael Keener (aka Jessica) is a Phoenix icon, well connected and respected in the community.    Many may recall her from door duties at the dance club “Preston’s“, in which she was partial owner. 

According to Keener, Andrews disappeared in 2008 without notice.    AREA’s were doors locked, leaving Jessica out in the cold.   Jessica commented that she never expected Andrews, then a long-time friend to just run out on her like this.  Having no other alternative, Jessica filed for and was awarded a civil judgment against Andrews in October of 2008 in the amount of $318,000.

Interestingly, Andrews re-appeared in March 2009, re-opening the club as Stratus just in time for the annual Adonis Party during Phoenix’s gay pride weekend. 

Jessica pleaded with Phoenix’s gay community not to attend the event, “The thief, Kevin Andrews, crawled out of his hole. Please, do not support anything associated with him.”

Andrews could not be reached for comment.