BluHaven Health meets community’s next need

RALEIGH, N.C. – After exploring “many paths,” BluHaven Health Infusion Center has launched in the Triangle, a booming medical hub anchored by Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, N.C. 

BluHaven has its roots in Realo Drugs, a mom-and-pop community pharmacy. The company eventually expanded first into specialty pharmacy with Realo Specialty Care Pharmacy in 2015 and then into home infusion.  

“We were building a community pharmacy from scratch in a small town,” said William Holland, director of sales & business development at Realo Drugs, PharmD. “We didn’t feel that it made sense for us to not be able to take care of these other types of medications and the patients would constantly come to us with questions (about specialty drugs). They need good pharmacists to help.” 

While 65% to 70% of its patients are based in N.C., BluHaven currently serves patients in a total of 23 states and is licensed in 49 states. 

‘We looked at the forecast’ 

Home infusion was on Holland’s radar for several years, with its strong pipeline of medications and growing demand from patients, providers and payers, says Holland. 

“We looked at the forecast and thought it would be a good health care model,” he said. “We felt confident that there are going to be more patients, there will be more indications for these drugs, and now there are drugs that maybe, five years ago, (didn’t exist) and now they do.” 

‘We always answer with a yes’ 

As it has expanded its business model, BluHaven has built a reputation for its customer service and its ability to get patients taken care of, says Holland. That includes everything from investigating benefits, looking at financial assistance or arranging transportation. 

“We try not to say no to our patients, within reason,” he said. “But we always answer with a yes, let’s find a way to help. Sometimes we find ourselves being social workers or care coordinators.” 

Patient care is just as thorough, with education about the therapy and the steps required and follow-ups after the first infusion. BluHaven also tracks side effects, adherence and effectiveness, says Holland. 

‘Build it where the patient lives’ 

BluHaven is already eyeing a few potential sites for additional infusion locations in the next year, says Holland. The company wants to be more present in the community, he says. 

“I think one out of four patients probably prefer the infusion center setting (rather than in the home),” he said. “We try to build it where the patient lives.”