Pharmacy Closures: Impact on Western States, Black, and Latino Communities
Opening stores used to mean everything to pharmacy chains. CVS Health once boasted of opening or buying more than 2,900 locations in a five-year period. Now it’s shuttering hundreds, while Walgreens, Rite Aid, and independent drugstores also pull back. An industry that saw waves of store growth before the COVID-19 pandemic faces headwinds like falling prescription reimbursement, persistent theft, and changing shopping habits. But as drugstores right-size their physical footprint, experts say they can leave behind communities that have come to depend on them as trusted sources of care and advice — both of which can be hard to find in many urban and rural areas.
“That trust, you just can’t quantify it,” said Omolola Adepoju, a University of Houston health services researcher. “And I don’t think it gets spoken about enough when we talk about pharmacy closures.”
Access Disparities in Urban and Rural Areas
There’s a pattern to who has access to pharmacies, with gaps forming in urban and rural neighborhoods. Residents of neighborhoods that are largely Black and Latino have fewer pharmacies per capita than people who live in mostly white neighborhoods, according to an Associated Press analysis of licensing data from 44 states.
Pharmacy as a Vital Care Location
Drugstores have become essential sources of care, especially for those who face barriers to accessing traditional medical facilities. Many pharmacies offer clinics and vaccines, making them primary points of care for various health needs.
The Impact on Communities
In rural areas, drugstores often serve multiple roles for their communities, providing not only medications but also vital healthcare advice and support. As these pharmacies close, rural residents face challenges accessing essential healthcare services.
Pace of Pharmacy Closures
The pace of pharmacy closures is accelerating, driven by factors such as declining revenue, rising expenses, and increasing instances of theft. Independent drugstores are particularly vulnerable, with many closing their doors due to financial constraints.
Questions and Answers
Why are pharmacies closing?
Pharmacies are closing due to various factors, including declining revenue, rising expenses, and persistent theft issues.
How do pharmacy closures impact communities?
Pharmacy closures can disproportionately affect communities, especially those in rural or underserved areas, leading to decreased access to essential healthcare services.
What role do pharmacies play in healthcare?
Pharmacies serve as crucial points of care, providing medications, vaccines, and healthcare advice to individuals who may not have easy access to traditional medical facilities.
Conclusion
As pharmacies continue to close across the country, the impact on communities cannot be overstated. From limited access to essential medications to a lack of trusted healthcare advice, the closure of pharmacies exacerbates existing healthcare disparities, particularly affecting Western states, Black, and Latino communities.
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