Pharmacy closures in rural communities particularly the fate of the elderly means many cannot access the required medications or basic medical care, a rising healthcare problem.

Residents in Kernville, California, are suffering due to the closure of The Drug Store after 45 years, losing access to essential medications and health services. Now prescriptions are being transferred 12 miles away to Rite Aid and often 60 miles away to Walmart where locals like Roberta Piazza Gordon have to travel tremendous distances to get basic healthcare.

In terms of closures, a widespread change in the numbers: During the 2010 to 2021 time span, nearly 30% of U.S. pharmacies closed their doors. Pharmacies closing shop. Researchers say rural areas suffer, creating so-called 'pharmacy deserts'. Mergers, low reimbursement rates, pharmacy benefit managers’ hurt independent and rural pharmacies the most, closing them.

Lack of pharmacies in older low income New York communities worries vulnerable populations. Experts say without these medications, seniors are at severe health risk, compounded by limited local pharmacy services and longer travel distances.