Picayune Drug Co. and Failla’s Vital Care Home Infusions Services is a blend of the old and the new.

Owners Andrew, RPh, and Brenda Failla, RN, have brought the 111-year-old pharmacy, located at 110 Highway 11 North, into the new age by adding a home infusion division.

The company employs 21 people, most are full time. That number does not include their children who work at the business during the summer.

Most recently the company has expanded into its second location at 3310 Highway 11 North by Highland Community Hospital.

Andrew Failla began working for Picayune Drug, Co. immediately after college.

“I was always going to be in the medical field whether as a doctor or pharmacist, I started with Thomas Casey, the past owner of Picayune Drug. I bought into the company as a partner,” Andrew Failla said. “In 1997, I purchased the company completely and Brenda came on board in 2000.”

In addition to filling prescription needs, the company services a 70-mile radius with its home infusion therapy and nursing care, which included assessments, IV infusions, and skilled nursing needs.

Candidates for these services include people who are not sick enough to be in the hospital but sick enough to need IV infusion therapy.

The Faillas take pride in their long-term employees, most of whom are local residents.

The family is heavily involved in the community as well, a trait they have instilled in their three children.

Picayune Drug Co. have employed some of their staff for more than 15 years.

“Our employees are like family. Most have started out as local residents, but we have had employees move to Picayune to work here. We all care about the people who come in here. They are more than our customers, they are members of our community who we care about. This is why we have three billers who do nothing but interact with insurance companies all day to get payments on our customer’s behalf,” Andrew Failla said.

Brenda Failla said the rewards outweigh the challenges of running a family business.

“We are on the same page with goals for the company,” she said. “I trust his judgment and he listens to my input. There is a mutual respect. I love working with Andrew. I miss him being at the store all of the time and try to have lunch with him each day.”

Both Faillas say that their love of helping others and the interaction with their community fuels their drive to succeed.

“We love what we do,” Andrew Failla said.

“We get to run a business and serve others. We are building our business from the ground up. We truly have the best of both worlds.”