FORT BLISS, Texas - Fort Bliss has stepped up its preventative measures to keep pharmacy services safe for its Soldiers, families and the El Paso Veteran community during the COVID-19 pandemic.The measures took effect across William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC) pharmacies in an effort to increase the safety and health of both beneficiaries and health care staff.These changes come as CDC and Army Public Health Nursing guidelines call for the minimizing of foot traffic and the limiting of large gatherings of people in medical center lobbies and waiting rooms.The new curbside drop-off and pickup pharmacy service is only available at the Mendoza Clinic and William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC) main campus between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.TRICARE beneficiaries can drop off their prescriptions and return for them in about four hours to pick up. Any prescriptions dropped off after 1 p.m. will be ready for pick-up the next business day. This applies to any new prescriptions, refills, non-acute medications, and electronic prescription renewals.Patients are encouraged to phone in their refills by calling (915) 742-1200 and use TRICARE Online as much as possible to manage all of their refill needs such as reviewing their prescription status or submitting refill requests. There is a four-day turnaround time for requesting refills over the phone or online.For patients that are acutely ill, a specific location for services will be provided to them by their provider. To protect patient health information, WBAMC discourages discussing medical matters or questions on social media and strongly recommends talking to the pharmacy or provider directly.The Freedom’s Crossing pharmacy is still open for refill requests submitted by phone or Tricare Online only and will remain open until otherwise announced.The Soldier Family Medical Center Pharmacy has been closed since March 27 and any prescriptions there have been rerouted as needed. Contact 915-742-6094 for any questions."When you come for pick-up at the refill pharmacy, remember to exercise social distancing and to wear the proper masks or cloth face coverings when entering any facility on the installation in accordance with the recent "Stay Home, Stay Safe" directive," said Maj. Eric Mies, deputy surgeon, 1st Armored Division."We are extremely proud of our medical professionals across the installation for their hard work and tireless efforts to keep the community safe in the wake of this pandemic. Please make sure you confirm your items are ready for pick-up before coming to either service and be patient with our staff on site."Another option beneficiaries may use is the Tricare Express Scripts home delivery service. You can order online, via phone, mobile app, and snail mail.https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/home-delivery