(Nexstar) – A number of retail pharmacies have closed various locations this year, leading to the creation of what some are referring to as “drug deserts.” This situation means that residents may find themselves without access to pharmacies or essential services for quite a distance. In areas where other pharmacies are trying to fill the gap, this could overwhelm them and affect current customers.
“The shutdown of major pharmacy chains tends to create a ripple effect throughout the community,” stated E. Michael Murphy, an assistant professor at Ohio State University, in an email to Nexter.
Nearby pharmacies, whether independent or part of a chain, may experience “sudden surges in patients,” which can lead to longer wait times and increased strain on healthcare teams.
Such closures can also disrupt medical care.
In larger cities like New York or Philadelphia, the effects of closing pharmacies might be somewhat limited. For instance, a pharmacy in Philadelphia has been slated for closure. If you take a walk, a three-minute stroll will bring you to a nearby Walgreens.
But it’s a different story in smaller communities where patients might need to travel to neighboring towns for their medications. This can result in “negative consequences for medication adherence,” according to Lucas A. Belenblock, an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh Pharmacy School.
“For individuals lacking reliable transportation—especially seniors or people with disabilities—driving a few more miles can pose a real barrier,” Murphy noted. This added time could delay accessing a prescription, potentially leading to missed doses.
A decrease in pharmacies also limits people’s access to vital health services. Beyond filling prescriptions, pharmacies provide vaccinations, chronic disease management, emergency consultations, over-the-counter remedies, and specific health tests.
“Pharmacies are doing more than ever,” Belenblock pointed out, noting that during the pandemic, pharmacists took on roles such as administering Covid-19 vaccines, in addition to other services they can provide across various states.
While online pharmacies can somewhat help replace services lost from closures, they often can’t offer the additional services available at traditional pharmacies.
“They depend on having reliable internet access, digital literacy, and stable housing, which can be barriers for many vulnerable patients,” Murphy mentioned. “For communities that have lost their local pharmacies, online options may fill some needs, but they cannot replace the full array of services provided by community pharmacists.”
Belenblock conceded that while mail-order pharmacies have their place due to convenience, planning ahead is necessary, particularly for medications like antibiotics, which may not be as effective if not used timely.
If your local pharmacy is on the brink of closing, Murphy recommends proactive steps, such as asking your pharmacist where prescriptions will be sent next and whether they accept your insurance and medication history. He also urged considering options for 90-day supplies or mail-order prescriptions if transport is a concern.
With chains like CVS and Walgreens preparing to welcome former Rite Aid customers, it’s crucial to ensure that any transition of your prescriptions happens smoothly. It’s wise to fulfill prescriptions one or two days before they run out, rather than waiting until the last minute, to avoid missing doses.
Murphy further suggested reaching out to local elected officials to advocate for solutions.
“Pharmacists are dedicated to addressing the needs of their communities, but without appropriate policy changes at the state and federal levels to tackle the flawed business models that have led to pharmacy closures, we will keep facing the loss of these trusted healthcare providers,” he said.
