Citizens Express Pharmacy on Tate Street wants to provide personalized care.

With many options customized to each customer, it is striving to meet that goal.

According to owner Dr. Fred Noble, he had established a similar pharmacy in Birmingham, Ala., and wanted to start one in Georgia. He had considered locating in Tucker, but by coincidence drove past Newton Medical Center and drove by the Tate Street building that was previously home to People's Drug Store. Almost immediately, he abandoned the Tucker plan to acquire the Covington location.

"This location has a rich history for independent pharmacies in Covington," said Noble. "It's been a pharmacy since 1927. So everybody in Covington knows this area."

The pharmacists employed at the store are highly trained and provide patient counseling. They are also trained in administering flu shots and other immunizations. Each quarter, the pharmacists offer diabetes management education to the community.

"The pharmacists here know the customers by name," said Noble. "This pharmacy runs more like a family than a business."

Along with a convenient drive-thru, the pharmacy provides free prescription delivery. The prescriptions may be delivered to the clients' place of work or home.

Other products sold at the pharmacy include over-the-counter medications, greeting cards and school supplies. The pharmacy promises to match prescription prices, and prescriptions can be called in or faxed by the doctor's office.

"If we don't have what you need, we can special order it for you," said pharmacist-in-charge Sheila Brewer. "Our specialty is personalized care and convenience for the customer."

"We want to give our customers quick service - they're just a number at other large corporate pharmacies," added Noble. "Time is money, and the less time they spend at the pharmacy, the better."

Citizens Express accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, worker's compensation and any major credit cards.

The store opened May 16. The first 100 customers received a free gift.