Pharmacy specializes in wholistic health care

Washington resident Patty Doran said she is delighted a new pharmacy has opened in her town, particularly one offering personalized service and a holistic approach to health care.

The town had been without a drug store since the Washington Pharmacy closed in 2008.

That changed in November with the debut of Washington Health Center & Pharmacy at 5 Bryan Memorial Plaza.

"The Washington Pharmacy was a focal point in the town, and this new pharmacy reflects those days while at the same time being very 21st century," Ms. Doran said. "The pharmacist, Jim Jaser, integrates traditional medicines with holistic natural offerings, some of which my naturopath also carries."

Dr. Kevin Bodling and his business partner, Frank Hunt, leased space in Washington Food Market owner George Verrastro's building in Washington Depot and opened the health center in November.

Hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"I saw the need for a health center and pharmacy in Washington and put it in place," said Dr. Bodling, a chiropractic internist and owner of Doctors Choice.

The pharmacy fills traditional prescriptions and carries homeopathic remedies and a line of cosmetics and skin care products. In the future, laboratory services such as blood screenings will be offered and conducted by a practical registered nurse. Blood pressure checks and physical screenings will be offered through a nurse practitioner.

"Our pharmacist, Jim Jaser, has over 25 years' experience," said Gina Guilbeault, operations manager for Washington Health Center & Pharmacy. "We knew it would do great and the response has been even better than we expected."

"I don't know who's happier that we're here, the residents or myself and our staff. It's a great community," Mr. Jaser said. "We offer vast experience.

"I was director of pharmacies for a large chain pharmacy. I know how the chains operate. Customers can find a lot of products here at lower prices and prescription costs are set by the pharmaceutical companies, not the drug stores. We offer free delivery."

First Selectman Mark Lyon finds the health center and pharmacy to be "a wonderful addition to our business community, located in a convenient downtown location, too."

"I believe not having a pharmacy in town had been a hardship for residents," he said. "We often heard complaints, not about service received at out-of-town pharmacies, but about having to go out of town."

In March 2008, Salisbury Pharmacy Group abruptly closed the Washington Pharmacy in the Depot. It had purchased the business in 2003 that for decades had been known as Park Drug.

stuz@newstimes.com; 860-355-7322