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Pharmacy deserts: A growing problem in the U.S.

News
Dec 02, 2024
Blog, Maxor

In the United States, 15.8 million people live in pharmacy deserts — areas with limited or no access to a pharmacy. These can exist in rural, urban, or suburban locations. In rural areas, a pharmacy desert typically means residents live more than 10 miles from the nearest pharmacy. In urban areas, it’s more than one mile, and in suburban areas, it’s two miles — or half a mile if residents lack access to a car.

Pharmacy deserts are often found in communities with lower income and education levels, as well as in areas where residents lack health insurance or rely on public health insurance. These underserved neighborhoods frequently experience higher rates of chronic health conditions.

The characteristics of pharmacy deserts vary by location. In urban areas, for example, they often have higher population density and a greater proportion of renters compared to suburban or rural areas.

States and cities most affected

Pharmacy deserts are particularly common in states such as Vermont, Maine, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, Alaska, Mississippi, North Dakota, and Iowa. Large cities are not immune to this issue. In Boston, for example, 15,000 residents live in pharmacy deserts. In Chicago, Black and Latino populations are disproportionately affected compared to white residents, highlighting the racial disparities in access to pharmacies.

A growing concern

The prevalence of pharmacy deserts has been increasing, driven in large part by the closure of community retail pharmacies. The U.S. currently has approximately 55,000 retail pharmacies, a 15% decrease since 2021. This decline has left many communities struggling to access essential healthcare services.

The impact of pharmacy deserts

The lack of nearby pharmacies has significant consequences. Without easy access, residents may face challenges obtaining medications, leading to medication non-adherence and worsening chronic health conditions.

Pharmacies are often the most accessible healthcare providers, offering services like vaccinations and blood pressure monitoring. When pharmacies close, access to these vital services declines, exacerbating existing health disparities in affected communities.

Potential solutions

Efforts to address pharmacy deserts include the following innovations:

  • Telepharmacy: Allowed in 28 states, telepharmacy enables remote communication between pharmacists and patients for services such as prescription requests and medication counseling. Initially gaining traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, telepharmacy has proven to be an effective solution, though some states impose restrictions on its use.
  • Mobile Pharmacies: These mobile units, staffed by pharmacists and technicians, bring essential medications directly to underserved areas. Regulation of mobile pharmacies varies by state.
  • Mail-Order Pharmacies: An alternative to traditional retail pharmacies, mail-order services often offer discounts for 90-day supplies and maintenance medications, making them a cost-effective solution.

Despite these efforts, the ongoing closure of retail pharmacies means pharmacy deserts will likely continue to expand, leaving millions of Americans searching for new ways to access the healthcare they need.

References

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