ST. LOUIS — Missouri’s only Black-owned pharmarcy hosted a community buyout event Sunday aimed at sustaining the business long term.

GreaterHealth Pharmacy and Wellness is participating in the Black St. Louis BuyOut, an initiative focused on strengthening Black-owned businesses through collective economic action.

“We have a staff that represents the community we serve,” owner Dr. Marcus Howard said.

Dr. Kenneth Powell, a pharmacist, said working at GreaterHealth feels like serving his own family.

“The community has become our cousins, our friends, our parents, our grandparents,” Powell said.

Howard said the business, located on Delmar Boulevard, sits in a pharmacy desert.

“Individuals in these communities don’t have access or walkability to a pharmacy,” Howard said.

“Literally the day this pharmacy opened another pharmacy (nearby) had closed,” St. Louis Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard said.

GreaterHealth aims to bridge gaps in access for underserved communities. Organizers said Sunday’s buyout is intended to help ensure the pharmacy’s long-term viability.

“We plan on being in this community for another 5, 10, 20, 50 years,” Howard said.

He said the pharmacy practices “culturally responsive care” to create a welcoming environment.

“(We make sure) people who come to our pharmacy feel welcomed and valued. And no matter who they are … they’ll come in and get the service that they deserve,” Howard said.

Central Baptist Church organized the buyout events. The next event is scheduled for June 14. Organizers said registration information is available through the church.