Pharmacies are Closing Across the US, Leaving Communities Struggling

A troubling trend has emerged in the healthcare industry: nearly 30% of pharmacies in the United States closed between 2010 and 2021, according to a new study in the journal Health Affairs. After initial years of growth, the number of closures outpaced that of openings from 2018 to 2021.. While there was initially a period of growth, the number of closures surpassed new openings from 2018 to 2021, leading to increasing concerns about access to essential medications and primary care.

The decline in pharmacy locations raises critical questions about the impact on healthcare, particularly for individuals who rely on regular access to prescriptions. With fewer pharmacies available, patients in many communities face significant hurdles in managing chronic conditions, filling urgent prescriptions, and accessing preventive care services that many pharmacies provide.

The Impact on Patients and Healthcare Access

One of the most significant consequences of pharmacy closures is the disruption of consistent medication access. Without a nearby pharmacy, patients must travel farther to obtain prescriptions, sometimes delaying or even skipping doses due to logistical challenges. This has direct implications for public health, particularly for those managing chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, or mental health conditions that require strict medication adherence.

DoorSpace CEO Sarah M. Worthy highlights two major concerns stemming from pharmacy closures.

“The first problem communities face when they lose access to a pharmacy is they see patients struggle to properly manage conditions requiring consistent access to their medication. Mail delivery programs can help somewhat – but most states have regulatory restrictions in place for a number of drugs, especially drugs to manage mental health conditions, that prohibit mail delivery to patients,” Worthy explains.

For many patients, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, the loss of a local pharmacy means resorting to risky strategies, such as rationing medication or skipping doses.

“This means patients may skip doses for several days while they’re trying to arrange the time and transportation to get to the nearest pharmacy that may now be over an hour away, instead of 20 minutes, by car. This inconsistency in access to their medication leads to lower quality outcomes for chronic conditions,” she says.

The challenge extends beyond prescriptions. Pharmacies often serve as a community’s most accessible healthcare provider, offering not only medications but also preventive services, medical advice, and minor health consultations.

“The second problem is that many of these pharmacies are also providing some form of primary and/or preventative care, and when they close, that community loses that preventative care,” Worthy notes.

Pharmacies as Essential Healthcare Hubs

Pharmacies are more than just places to pick up prescriptions—they play a crucial role in everyday healthcare. Many provide vaccinations, guidance on over-the-counter medications, and even consultations with healthcare professionals like nurse practitioners. When these locations close, communities lose a vital healthcare access point, making it harder to receive timely care for non-emergency medical concerns.

“These pharmacies often provide vaccinations and help advise customers on over-the-counter medications for minor ailments and injuries. Many also have an advanced nursing practitioner who comes in on a part or full-time basis to see patients for regular primary care and non-emergency health concerns. Numerous studies have shown there are clear connections between how close and accessible primary care is and quality and financial outcomes. When this access is lost from a pharmacy closure, that community suffers more chronic conditions and pays higher costs over their lifetime,” Worthy explains.

Addressing Pharmacy Deserts

The growing presence of “pharmacy deserts” has drawn attention from healthcare advocates and policymakers alike. Potential solutions include expanding telehealth services, loosening mail-order prescription regulations, and incentivizing pharmacies to remain in underserved areas.

Community leaders and healthcare professionals are pushing for innovative approaches to keep pharmacy services accessible, such as integrating pharmacies into larger healthcare systems, expanding mobile pharmacy units, and increasing public investment in independent pharmacies.

As the number of pharmacies continues to shrink, the impact on healthcare costs and patient well-being is becoming more apparent. With medication adherence directly tied to health outcomes, finding solutions to pharmacy closures is crucial in ensuring communities maintain access to essential medications and healthcare services.