Our History
1972: The UW-Madison Wisconsin Student Association (WSA) opens a volunteer-staffed pharmacy to provide the community with health care information and affordable prescription medication.
1973: The Pharmacy’s workers assume ownership and turn to a collective business structure.
Late 1970s: Vitamins, homeopathics, and herbs are added to the store’s shelves in order to offer a larger variety of health care products to customers.
1983: The Pharmacy moves to 341 State Street. The new space is able to accommodate a larger pharmaceutical dispensary area, a wider range of alternative health care products, and an expanded selection of natural body care products.
1991: After exploring various management styles over the years, staff implements a team-managed structure. This same year, the store achieves cooperative status.
1995: The staff drops “WSA” from the store’s name, changing it to Community Pharmacy.
1997: Community Pharmacy is renovated. All products are moved onto a fully accessible and expanded first floor, while the second floor is converted to office and meeting space.
2015: Community Wellness Shop Opens in Middleton at 6333 University Avenue.
2021: Community Pharmacy moves to its current location at 130 S. Fair Oaks Avenue.
2022: Community Pharmacy celebrates 50 years!
