Eastport pharmacist closes doors, blames state

Patrons of Havey and Wilson's pharmacy must have their prescriptions filled elsewhere after April 27. After almost 30 years as owner, pharmacist Dana Fickett of Perry says declining profits have forced him to close his Eastport drugstore.

"Profits have lessened over the past few years, and there's been a cash flow problem, thanks to Mr. Baldacci," reports Fickett, referring to the Maine governor, as well as the state Bureau of Medical Services. "They've made three cuts in reimbursements for the [MaineCare] program, and the amount of prescriptions here for that program is 70 to 75 percent," he points out. "The first cut, we were able to roll with it. The second one wasn't very nice to have, but we handled it. But the third one was the straw that broke the camel's back."

Fickett purchased Havey and Wilson's Rexall drugstore from Hollis Guiou back in July of 1975. He had begun working behind the soda fountain in 1964 when he was a sophomore at Shead Memorial High School, and Guiou had encouraged him to study pharmacy. In 1971, Fickett graduated from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Six months after Fickett bought Havey and Wilson's, pharmacist Nelson Camick closed his drugstore, leaving Havey and Wilson's as the sole pharmacy in Eastport.

"It was a good business up until the time of the cuts and Wal-Mart," points out Fickett. "Calais has always been the hub and main competition, and it still is."

Outgrowing the location in downtown Eastport, the soda fountain was left behind, and in 1991 the rest of Havey and Wilson's moved up on Washington Street in the former R&M IGA building. "For three or four years, before Wal-Mart, we did a good front store business here, with cards and health and beauty aids," he recalls. "But not any more."

Rite-Aid approached Fickett in October, and he spoke to them in January and March, before deciding it would be best to sell his stock to that company.

"I've been offered the pharmacy manager's position in the Calais store," reports Fickett, who adds that his employees Alberta Matthews, Mina Bowen and Ernie Johnson have also been invited to work at Rite-Aid.
"I want to thank all of the good customers I've had over the years," says Fickett, who has filled an annual average of 25,000 prescriptions. "Thanks for sticking by all of us."

Nursing home finds new provider

Peggy Pineo, administrator at the Eastport Memorial Nursing Home, reports that facility is coping with the closing of Havey and Wilson's by signing up with Omnicare Pharmacy of Maine.
"Dana gave us a 'heads up' awhile ago, which we appreciate," says Pineo. "So we researched options. Most facilities in the state use Omnicare, from Madawaska to Biddeford, and they service very small facilities up to places with 300 beds."

Omnicare delivers up to seven days a week, if necessary. "We're ensuring that our residents are getting the best deal possible. We have to notify the families of our residents about the change but, if we didn't, we want the change to run so smoothly, no one would even notice," she says.

"We're sad that Havey and Wilson's is closing," emphasizes Pineo. "Dana's spoiled us. He's like a neighbor, and we very much appreciate the dedication and service to this facility from him and from his staff."