Editor's note: Worth repeating, this story which originally was published Feb. 16, 2022. Because COVID may be in a lull, but the future of the virus is uncertain, let's re-visit boosters, vaccinations, testing. According to Greg McKenna, pharmacist and owner at Nutmeg Pharmacy, entrepreneur (and a civic-minded and passionate person who is dedicated to helping communities: “For everyone over 50 right now I can tell you we are doing Moderna (Thursday) and Pfizer boosters. In our area, increased surge in people wanting to test again. And we had six positive people this week (first full week in April). One person said ‘I feel awful. Is this a bad flu? (Positive for COVID-19.) But for five out of those six who tested positive, symptoms were similar to a real bad cold. We haven't seen any increase in side effects since last week when we started the boosters.”

“Bottom line of this is that we should all learn from this is that what we were talking about changes of behavior, that people wear masks, stay informed. I would expect by the end of this year, both Moderna and Pfizer will have an updated vaccine specifically directed against the Omicron, which has a higher transmissibility as we talked about versus the Delta–but it also has a lower virility–so most people don’t end up going into the hospital. The issue though is once people get into the hospital then there’s no differential; if people are getting sick and getting taken to the hospital that means the virus has gotten down to the lower levels of the lung function. That is where people are having issues being on the respirator being in intensive care. It's also plainly evident now that having three shots is the minimum. And then be updated every five months from there–until we get past these variance of concerns, also called VOCs.”

Efficient. Essential. Economical.

During a recent interview with Greg McKenna in Higganum (masks on, fist bump hello), listened to so many ways to help people monitor their health and assist physicians. A local pharmacy is a boon for humans who may juggle many demands including childcare, work, school; aging parents, commuting (or not), bills, life, vehicles, maintenance and other daily challenges–all amid an ongoing pandemic. Time is valuable.

Independently-owned Nutmeg Pharmacy locations in 2022: Higganum, Centerbrook, Taftville, Moodus, New London. McKenna is planning for further expansion.

Vital services in communities to stay well, or–if feeling under the weather–test early. Communicate with that person's physician. Act, instead of react. Now what if it was easy to go after work or school to get a test and results right down the road from home, a local pharmacy?

“I can point to 15 people in town as examples; say, of potential flu,” McKenna said. “A person comes in with symptoms and gets a crucial test with results in minutes. Because Tamiflu works only if flu is detected in the first 24 hours. We do not diagnose, but test and get those results right to their doctor. This coordination serves the person.”

Key to continuing and expanding this important niche of care by a pharmacist is the term full provider status.

From the Facebook page of Nutmeg Pharmacy, Higganum: “The new Connecticut legislative session started on Feb. 9 and is a short session this year, as it's an election year. We're asking you to contact your local legislator and tell them you want ALL Connecticut pharmacies to have FULL PROVIDER STATUS, so we can do more to help you. The COVID-19 vaccines and testing and getting FULL PROVIDER STATUS would allow us to do more, like cholesterol and diabetes testing and so much more.”

Important because much was learned in the COVID-19 pandemic crisis listening to people, their worries and concerns. Hearing their feedback and providing a much-needed service in effective ways.

Below is an informative video about full provider status and why this matters to you.

Full provider status. Language is crucial regarding this topic.

“Because of the pandemic and CARES Act, pharmacists are able to give COVID-19 vaccination without doctor's written orders. So why not flu, tetanus, shingles, D-TAP, pneumonia? We've seen how essential these services are and full provider status is so critical,” McKenna said.

“This is the exact same test your doctor would use,” he said and takes down a box from a nearby shelf, opens another to display a device. “This way a doctor does not have to go in the office or call in a medical technician in addition to that. I can scan and Zoom test results right to him or her. We work hand in glove with a person's physician.”

Think about that for a minute. Or ten. Especially consider those who may be reluctant to take time off for an appointment or those who face multiple responsibilities and put off a visit. Others who may “wing it” and brush aside symptoms. To serve as a catalyst helps people stay healthy, and a gentle nudge may factor in for a decision to go see their doctor. Because it matters, regular care.

Efficient. Essential. Economical.

"The shift is changing how Americans get health care." https://t.co/4LwhKVd2Ez

— Moo Dog Press (@MooDogPress) February 15, 2022

McKenna also noted that long-range health issues may be headed off by timely testing. A pre-diabetic person, say, who may have gained 15 pounds during the pandemic (COVID-15 he calls this with a chuckle), can monitor with economical tests to see if a medication from the doctor is working as it is meant to do. How does he know this? Because he tried it himself.

“Four years ago, I was concerned about my morning glucose numbers and asked my doctor, how do I nip this in the bud? Medication was required, I was directed to take it and told ‘we'll see you in three or four months, test.' But with a rapid test, results reassured me within days that my blood sugar was perfect, the medication is working. Now, what if I can do that for everybody?”

Do you see how this test and feedback helps not only a person but also creates a bridge between a community and healthcare providers to benefit all? Each step along the way can assist in that person's health, long-term issues may be detected early.

With his entrepreneurial outlook on life paired with integrity and a passion for his profession, McKenna is ahead of the curve. He's a people person who seeks solutions to help people.
Efficient. Essential. Economical. That's his mantra to navigate life and business and in interacting with his communities.

“For those who can't get out, we go to them. Flu shots, shingles, pneumonia, COVID vaccine. There is so much more that can be done.”

Efficient. Essential. Economical.

Inside his office no larger than a big closet, the door stays open. Boxes neatly stacked are topped with a selection of Tootsie Pops. And spritzers of Nutmeg Pharmacy brand hand sanitizer.

McKenna sees my glance during the interview and asks “Which do you choose?” First, a sample of the sanitizer–herbal, clean, Yes, this one. Not only a pleasant scent but would like it as a room spray. Essences of witch hazel, clove-like.

“Here, take two.” (Later given to a neighbor and friend; labels make these good brand ambassador ideas as well. Smart as a reminder of a visit, branding.)

There are many aspects to a person's life; information overload leads to stress. McKenna decided to step up to address customers with a key decision each year.

“Regarding Medicare, every October during open enrollment choices, we help people with choices,” he said. “Why? It's so confusing. People will ask for help, how to spend their money in the most effective way. To choose which Medicare plan best serves their needs, requirements. About 7 years ago, we analyzed all drugs used, every single plan. Doing that cost $10,000 for this program; but it is so important to help people with this information. I've had customers come back to tell me–‘you saved me the cost of my oil bill this year.' I'm not an insurance agent, just want to assist customers navigate a maze–there are currently 26 different plans! I saw it getting more and more complicated. If we can help our client save the most amount of money, we're going to do that. And it is very rewarding, to see another facet of a person. It's not just their health, but also their financial health.”

He knows his community and that knowledge is on display inside each location. Higganum features attractive large images on walls of local landmarks, hidden features: Haddam Spencer's Shad Shack. The trestle bridge. Tylerville, Shailerville. Haddam. Flag Rock. Items to take home or gift such as sturdy mugs with vignettes of local history such as an ice house and a paragraph about it. Each holiday gets a showcase, seasonal displays.

History is people, actions, choices, memories and life stories. McKenna's father recently celebrated his 90th birthday. As a boy, he survived the Hartford Circus Fire along with his brother. McKenna grew up on Sigourney Street, Hartford.
There's another layer concerning McKenna's vision for care as well.

“As you know, Nutmeg Pharmacy has five stores (Feb. 2022). My whole goal is connect young people and business to better serve each community. I provide the capitol and management; am looking for those who are caring, who want to help others, and combine that with a good personality. To make a difference in people's lives,” he said.

McKenna serves as a mentor; a mentee not only learns about becoming a business owner, but also gains equity, a powerful combination.

“There are multiple facets in business–this takes time, decisions along the way, every day,” he said. “I am trying to figure how to build a system, a template to understand each facet required as this develops for more people to come onboard.”

Higganum Hardware in the same building did not just happen by chance. What was vacated space, then served as a place to wait after vaccination, now is a fully stocked hardware store. Taylor Lemon of Higganum is the manager.

McKenna made a decision to open a hardware store after dedicated research and gleaning the results presented about the village and area–what people wanted and what the community needed.

“Taylor and Jared Lemon (his brother, also from Higganum) are two great young men with customer skills that are unmatched,” said McKenna. Each worked in the pharmacy store, knows retail and people.

Higganum Hardware doors opened in Sept. 2021–there are separate entrances yet customers can also walk between the pharmacy and hardware store easily as a dividing wall was removed.

The Lemons as entrepreneurs build with McKenna's insight and knowledge. He wants people to succeed and thrive. All comes back and around again full circle.

McKenna is now also actively seeking a suitable new location so the pharmacy can offer even more services and offer a drive through eventually. Higganum Hardware would then expand to space that is the pharmacy at present, the building fronting Killingworth Road.

“Small businesses generate three times the income to a community,” he said. The goal for the future is for the Lemons to buy out the hardware store from McKenna.

“I love what Ii do. if you can show people what can work well, everyone wins.”

Also in the area is the Shad Museum in Higganum, a small museum located in a former shad shack. Tucked away behind a plaza, if you are fortunate enough it will be open (free), Sundays in season. “…founded by Dr. Joseph Zaientz of Haddam Neck, focuses on the importance of the Shad fishing industry to Haddam and the lower Connecticut River Valley.” — excerpt Haddam Historical Society via Facebook. Heading south towards Deep River, Essex, Saybrook is Spencer's Shad Shack (private property, not open to the public), a local landmark.

Shad museum. (Open Sundays.) pic.twitter.com/B1ZGQJTuFW

— Moo Dog Press (@MooDogPress) April 14, 2022

Note: Nutmeg Pharmacy is where our family's vaccinations were received after hearing a segment on TV news (WFSB) early in the pandemic when vaccinations were hard to find online and all jammed up. Calling Nutmeg Pharmacy in Higganum solved this and was both convenient and welcoming, wonderful. Returned for second dose, boosted, recommended to others on our mission of telling the stories of independent and small business, entrepreneurs, resources and people who add to life and their communities, state, region. Disclosure: Nutmeg Pharmacy has advertised with our publication, but during a time of personal loss, Mr. McKenna was both kind and reassuring–there, listening. That is uncommon and please, may it spread to more this way of doing business, genuine caring. This story has been updated.

Let’s throw a couple of other factors into this confusing brew. First, I’m increasingly concerned about long-term effects of a Covid infection. Recently, we’ve seen convincing evidence that, on top of Long Covid symptoms, Covid infection is associated w/ ⬆long-term risk… (6/25)

— Bob Wachter (@Bob_Wachter) April 7, 2022