Larue’s Drugs has a new location, but its mission to provide area residents with top-notch service hasn’t changed.

The pharmacy, which has been located in the same place for 23 years at 430 Highway 51 N, has moved next door into a newly constructed building to widen its offerings.

“It’s to grow for the future,” Larue Baker said.

Baker said with his daughter involved and his son working as a pharmacist, their family decided it was time to expand to better serve their customers.

“I’ve enjoyed raising my family here, and having them come back is very special, very rewarding,” he said.

Part of the pharmacy’s expansion includes an expanded line of products, but Baker said the more important aspect is their new counseling and vaccination room, which allows for their customers to have more privacy.

Baker, who has been a pharmacist for 32 years, said the push now is for preventative medicine.

“We want to make sure patients take their medicine as prescribed and keep them healthy and out of the hospital,” he said.

He said a preventative approach is especially important with those suffering from diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Early detection and proper management are important to keep those patients healthy.

Baker said vaccines are also a big part of their business. Of course, flu shots have long been a staple, but recently there has been a big push for the shingles vaccine. Baker said two out of three people will contract shingles in their life, and anyone over 50 should look into getting the vaccine.

“There’s a lot of complications with shingles, from pain to eye damage and scaring,” he said.

Baker said the importance of vaccines can be demonstrated by smallpox.

“There’s no smallpox in the world because of vaccinations,” he said.

Baker’s enthusiasm for his pharmacy stems from his ability to give back to his community while spending time with his family.

“I think you realize what’s important, and that’s your family, friends and customers,” he said. “Of course over time your patients become like your family. You depend on them, and they depend on you.”