Fairfield, Conn. – The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce that its new member, Collins Medical Equipment, has scheduled its 85th Anniversary and Grand Re-Opening ribbon cutting for Friday, September 23rd, at 5PM.
A local area business, and family owned and operated for 85 years, Collins Pharmacy was founded in 1931 by Thomas P. Collins, on Fairfield Avenue in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport. Typifying the “corner drugstore” of the era, it was the neighborhood hub with a soda fountain and card table for the locals to gather, plus a prescription counter where all the medicines were compounded by the pharmacist. At that time, there were no “manufactured” drug products. After World War II and UCONN School Of Pharmacy, Tom Collins, Jr., took over at the helm and in 1963 moved the pharmacy to a much larger facility next door to the original. The newly renovated store was planned by the McKesson Drug Company and featured the latest in store fixtures and design.
In the mid-seventies, Tom's son, Jack, graduated from UCONN and immediately began to plan for the future by adding a durable medical equipment department and becoming one of the first pharmacies in the state to computerize their prescription department. In 1983, it became apparent to Jack and Tom that their growing business required more square footage and improved parking. The Shell gas station down the street was purchased and renovated. The growing demands of home healthcare quickly outdated the gas station and in 1991, a $250,000 expansion and remodeling effort was undertaken.
In 2002, their prescription department was sold to CVS and they began to focus on Home Medical Equipment and Supplies. In 2005, they sold their building on Fairfield Avenue and moved to their current facility on Kings Highway East in Fairfield under the Collins Medical Equipment banner.
Understanding the demographics driving the “Aging In Place” movement nationally, a new division was launched by Bryan Collins in 2010, “Collins Accessibility Solutions”. Bryan is a “Certified Aging In Place Specialist” and possesses the knowledge and skills to evaluate what your home needs to be safe and accessible after a disability. Products and Services include, Bathroom Remodeling, Ramps, Grab Bars, Stair Glides and Patient Lifts.
Four Generations of Collins’ proudly manage today’s growing business including Jack Collins-President, Chris Collins-General Manager celebrating 30 years with the company, Tom Collins IV-Finance and Bryan Collins-Sales and Marketing.
Mission Statement
The mission of Collins Medical Equipment is to provide high quality, cost effective home medical equipment and disposable supplies for the use and treatment of our patients in the safety and comfort of their homes with reliability, professionalism, and integrity.
Philosophy
"Caring for people like family" is a philosophy that our staff commits to and lives each day as we identify patient needs and coordinate the provision of patient care. It is this philosophy that allows us to consider each patient individually and care for them as we would our own family. This level of service is unsurpassed in the health care industry and has provided us with the reputation we have earned and take great pride in throughout the State of Connecticut.
The ribbon cutting will begin promptly at 5PM, and everyone is invited to attend the ceremony to help celebrate their Anniversary and re-grand opening. Refreshments will be served.
Event: 85th Anniversary/Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting
Date: Friday, September 23rd Time: 5PM
Location: Collins Medical Equipment
Address: 500 Kings Highway East, Fairfield, CT