This is the fourth in the EAGLE’s 10-part Coronavirus Heroes series. Every weekend, a new Coronavirus Hero will be featured. This week’s Coronavirus Heroes are Brent and Laura Smith, owners of Chaney’s Pharmacy.

Nestled in a corner spot of the shopping center off Bramlett Boulevard, Chaney’s Pharmacy has provided generations of Oxonians with fast, friendly customer service.

According to owners Brent and Laura Smith, that commitment to service didn’t change as they faced the coronavirus pandemic.

“Having served Oxford and Lafayette for over 40 years, we have built a personal connection with the community,” the Smiths said. “During this pandemic, we feel a need to stay in communication with our customers even more and to let them know that we are here for them.”

Chaney’s, which encapsulates all the facets of a small-town drugstore and its amenities, briefly transitioned to only drive-thru and curbside services, but its doors are now open and ready for customers.

Laura, who is a pharmacist along with her husband, is known for making the front-of-house at Chaney’s a showplace, with its colorful displays of gift items, coffee and yogurt shop and even a salon and nail boutique all under one roof. For all its flash, Chaney’s isn’t lacking in substance; customers are greeted by name and the staff has a vested interest in their wellbeing.

“Our team’s mission at Chaney’s is to make sure we are committed to our customers. While at Chaney’s we consider ourselves family, we also feel the same for those we serve,” the Smiths said.
“We take pride in knowing our customers by name and celebrating with them every step of their lives.”

Prior to the pandemic, Chaney’s Pharmacy was recognized on a national scale by the American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc., as a Patient Champion. Founded in 1984, APCI is the market leader in independent pharmacy associations and serves more than 1,800 members in 26 states.

“Pharmacies like Chaney’s Pharmacy are vital to our communities because independent, locally-owned pharmacies provide that personal, patient-focused care that no big-box chain can,” said Tim Hamrick, CEO of APCI. “APCI is proud to offer the training, products and supportive services that community-based, local pharmacies need to ensure their patients receive the quality care they deserve.”

Chaney’s offers a variety of services, including home delivery, onsite immunizations, medication flavoring, online and auto refills, text reminders, a two-lane drive-thru and medication synchronization. In addition to unique gifts, the pharmacy carries FDA-compliant CBD products, home health supplies, veterinary medications and a dollar products section. Most prescriptions are filled in 15 minutes or less, and most major insurance plans are accepted.

The award is something the Smiths said means a lot to the team at Chaney’s; it’s validation that their hard work is recognized.

“It’s definitely an honor and an affirmation that what we are doing is working and meeting the needs of our customers,” they said.

While they said they don’t view themselves personally as heroes, the Smiths gave their team high praise.

“Our staff are definitely heroes,” they said. “The way our team has rallied together to comfort our customers and to provide the same great service that’s expected of them is really special. We can’t thank them enough for coming in everyday with a smile and a positive attitude to serve.”

Above all, the Smiths – and the rest of the team at the Chaney’s – want the LOU Community to know one thing: We are here for you, every step of the way since 1980.