AUG. 16, 2010 – Call me slow to get hip to the news that Publix’s pharmacies offer free generic oral antibiotics.

A couple of weeks back when a child developed an earache, Dr. Malcolm Rhodes at Parkwood Pediatrics prescribed the pink stuff — amoxicillin. In passing, he mentioned that Publix would provide the medicine for free.

Surprised, I went to the Publix on James Island and found out it was true. Thirty minutes after turning in the order, I got a 10-day supply – worth more than $31 according to the Publix printout — for free.

Wow. What a great community service.

“The program has been very successful and thousands of prescriptions have been filled since we launched the program in 2007,” said Publix spokeswoman Brenda Reid from Atlanta. “As health care and the cost of living continue to climb this is one way to give back to our customers by providing this service at no charge.” (We couldn’t get a comment from a local Publix pharmacist.)

Now, you and I know that a generic antibiotic like amoxicillin really doesn’t cost $31 to Publix. This pink stuff has been around for years. The dose given to us was probably worth a dollar or two.

Still, Publix has found an innovative way to help customers – and draw in potential customers – in economically challenging times. It’s a very smart business move. In fact, now that you know the company offers free antibiotics at its pharmacies, there’s more of a chance you’ll shop at Publix, or, at least buy something there while you’re waiting for your medicine.

Of the grocery chain’s 1,021 stores in five states, more than 800 include pharmacies, including local stores on James Island, Mount Pleasant, Johns Island, North Charleston and Goose Creek.

Click here for a list of eight antibiotics the store offers for free.

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Cherry juice update: Last week during a trip to Atlanta, I found the much-heralded Turkish sour cherry juice described a couple of weeks ago.

Bereket Turkish Grocery in Norcross, Ga., offers the juice in 330ml cans and 1-liter cartons. The imported juice – the same brand as I enjoyed throughout Turkey – has the refreshing, captivating, sweet-sour taste that I was starting to miss since last month’s trip.

I bought a case. (12 cartons for about $21.)

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Candidate alert: Over the last two weeks, my column in sister publication Statehouse Report has focused on the race for governor. Each of the two major candidates were asked 10 tough questions. GOP nominee Nikki Haley didn’t answer. Democratic nominee Vincent Sheheen did. Click their names if you’d like to read the questions – and answers from one.

Andy Brack is publisher of CharlestonCurrents.com and StatehouseReport.com.  He can be reached at:  brack@statehousereport.com.