EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: SONYA LONG
Title: Certified Pharmacy Technician, Cpht
How long have you worked with Mac’s Hometown Pharmacies?
I actually started at Lowe’s Drugs and Home-Healthcare back in 2008 and later started my journey with Mac’s Pharmacy in 2010. I then had the opportunity to transfer back to my original store at Lowe’s back in 2017. With the merger with Lowe’s Drugs in 2024, I am excited to continue doing what I love at City Drug!
What inspired you to work in the pharmacy field, and what do you enjoy most about your role?
Similar to other careers in the health field, pharmacy technicians help other people. As a Pharmacy Technician, I am able to assist with maintaining patient safety, help people manage their healthcare needs and make a difference in people’s lives daily. Being a pharmacy technician allows me to take my own passions and make a direct impact on a patients health, which is incredibly fulfilling.
Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had while working at our pharmacy?
One of the best things about my job outside of helping patients is my co-workers. When we first found out about my son’s disorder, Rett Syndrome, Mac’s Pharmacy supported our family in many ways such as organizing fundraisers by selling tshirts, bracelets and merchandise to help with medical costs and travel for our family. They willingly dedicated their personal time, energy and love to show support for us. I am beyond blessed to get to work for such an incredible company and an amazing group of people that are not only my co-workers but family!
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone considering a career in pharmacy?
Pharmacy technicians can find careers in various settings such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, compounding pharmacies, home healthcare and even pharmaceutical companies. Although all these pharmacy settings play important roles, do your research and shadow the different areas and find the best placement for you as you consider making a pharmacy technician a career.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work? What are your hobbies or interests?
I have a 13 year old special needs son, Cortland, that keeps me on my toes. I spend most of my time outside of work making memories with him by watching movies, baking cookies and going on adventures such as cades cove, going on mom-son dates and enjoying theme parks!
One of my biggest priorities in life is self-care. I enjoy running every day, spending 30 minutes each day studying the Bible and working on my overall mental and physical health.
I am involved in several different groups including being a special needs leader at Rio Revolution church as well as volunteering with activities such as helping hands and special needs prom. I have also been a board member for a special needs group called Blount County Luke 14 for the last 2 years.
If you could recommend one product from our pharmacy that you believe everyone should try, what would it be and why?
I would definitely recommend a probiotic, I personally love superior probiotics. Probiotics, beneficial bacteria, offer potential health benefits including supporting digestive health, boosting the immune system and potentially aiding in weight management and mental health.
