A Prescription for Revitalization

The shopping and civic center of Haddam — Higganum Village — once was a bustling place of activity. But more than two years ago, the old grange plaza lost the Country Market and Higganum Drug Center, likely casualties of the recession.

In late August, the Grist Mill Country Market opened in the historic, flat-roofed building, under new ownership, and J. Martin's Pub on Killingworth Road welcomed patrons in October.

And since Oct. 29, the center has had a full-service drug store again, thanks to Higganum Pharmacy co-owner Luis Moren and Scott Wolak.

Both men have discovered citizens are very receptive to the new business at 3A Candlewood Road, next to Shearmetrix.

"It's been fantastic," says Moren. "The community has been very welcoming. They support local businesses, and they're very happy to have a pharmacy back in town."

The closure of the Higganum Drug Center in late 2008 left the town without a drug store for the first time in 18 years — with the nearest chain stores located miles away in Middletown.

This is a community he and his partner have immersed themselves in, having lunch with members of the senior center, and being involved with local hospice and home-care teams of professional health-care workers.

With nearly 45 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field between them, these two University of Connecticut Pharmacy School graduates opened the pharmacy on Oct. 29.

"It's a nice opportunity to service this tight-knit community," says Moren. "To be a part of that is very special, as opposed to this just being a business.  

"People come in here and they know each other, and it's a neat thing to see.  When you have that kind of a community, this becomes a meeting place.  I love getting to know everyone who comes in on a first-name basis."

He says friends in town told him of their need for a pharmacy, and demographic research supported the idea. "It made sense that this would be a good location for an independent drugstore, as there's nothing else around for miles. We figured if there's a spot where it would be received, it would be here.

"Our goal is to provide pharmaceutical services, to deliver personal service, and to offer a place where people don't have to go out of town to get their prescriptions filled. There are a lot of seniors in town, and it's good to be able to offer services to them. For them, delivery is the biggest thing, especially in the winter."

Moren says he's not worried about competition from the big chains. "This is an insurance-driven industry. Ninety-eight percent of people come in with an insurance card, and they're paying the same co-payment here as they would with one of the chain stores. So there's no price competition.  

"The main advantage we offer is the personalized service, and the convenience of not having to travel to another town."

The pharmacists, along with lead technician Cyndie Stewart — who Moren says is crucial to the business and keeps things running smoothly — can handle all pharmaceutical needs. There are over-the-counter medications, medical equipment, cards and specialty items, prescription refills, a delivery service, specialty compounding (for people who can't take oral medications or who need veterinary compounds) and one-on-one consulting.  

It's the best of both worlds — that small-town, homey feeling, and all the services provided by the major chains.

Community is important to Moren. He takes part in Higganum Vision Group meetings, where people dedicated to revitalizing this rural center of activity discuss plans to attract more commerce. And he feels the pharmacy is an integral part of that. "Since it's where people come to get their prescriptions filled, it's a pillar of business.

"It's good to see life coming back to the center of town. Down the road, I'd like to see cafes and restaurants. The vision is to develop this area — to provide a place for people, even those from out of town, where they want to come and hang out — a place where they can get their needs met, like with groceries and a pharmacy, instead of having to go into Middletown.

"I'm happy to bring the services of the pharmacy back to the local community. This is one of the most rewarding professional experiences I've ever had. It's nice to work hard and be appreciated, and to be able to be a part of this community."

For information, go to higganumpharmacy.com.