Ratzburg receives pharmacy award

POLSON — The Montana Pharmacy Association is pleased to announce that Ernie Ratzburg of Polson has received the association’s prestigious “Bowl of Hygeia Award” on June 5 at their Annual Business Meeting. Ernie is currently the Manager of Safeway Pharmacy in Polson.

 Ernie was recognized during the presentation by his good friend Dale Stoverud who said, “Ernie is someone who has revealed himself as a selfless and dedicated to his family, his community and his profession. Ernie is very active in providing immunization and promotes good health habits while taking the time to counsel his patients. He also takes the time to give back by serving as a preceptor for interns and by promoting pharmacy to as many as possible by speaking at high school career days and allowing students to job shadow.”

 It was noted that Ernie is active in his local community where he is a member of the Elks Club, Masonic Lodge, Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in starting a soccer team in Polson. He also serves on the advisory board to the School of Fine Arts and was on the advisory board at the School of Business at the University of Montana. Ernie is a 1964 graduate of the University of Montana’s School of Pharmacy. Ernie and his wife Mary Lou reside in Polson.

 The “Bowl of Hygeia” Award is presented annually by participating pharmacy associations in each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the ten Canadian provinces. The recipients are selected by their respective associations for their outstanding record of community service. The first Montana Bowl of Hygeia was awarded in 1959 to John J. Downey of Butte. Congratulations Ernie Ratzburg on being named this year’s Montana Bowl of Hygeia winner!

-Courtesy of Stuart Doggett