INMAN, S.C. — From medicine to milkshakes, Kempson Rexall Drugstore has been a staple in the small community of Inman, S.C., since 1905. The nearest hospital is about a 30-minute drive away, so many people visit their local pharmacy for family medical moments. Of the town’s 3,200 residents, this is often the first place they call.
“This store means the world to this community,” said owner and pharmacist Marianne McElveen. “Our customers are very loyal. They love us. They love the personal touch and attention they get.”
But like many people independent drug storethis requires the desired shot.
At least 7,000 pharmacies have closed nationwide since 2019, the Associated Press reported, citing data from the University of Pittsburgh. About half of them were independent drugstores.
“We’ve had to make some adjustments, some changes. We’ve had to reduce our hours, but we’ve done everything we can to survive and keep our doors open. “There were a lot of sleepless nights,” McKelvin said, adding. ”
Major pharmacy chains are no exception. walgreensFor example, the company said it reported an $8 billion loss last fiscal year.
Lori Trudel, a professor at Clemson University. pharmacy desert America is in crisis
“With thousands of pharmacies closing in rural areas, access to all health care is being lost,” Trudel said.
The pharmacy itself, located in the back of McElveen’s stores, has seen profit margins drop from 3% to 5%.
“Especially with expensive brand-name drugs, we’re filling them and the cost of those drugs may not be reimbursed, even if it’s our cost,” McElveen said.
The National Association of Community Pharmacists predicted that an average of more than one independent pharmacy will close per day in 2024.
“It’s sad for me to see that part of America, that part of the business go. We’re not going to throw in the towel. We are, we’re going to be in this for the long haul,” McKelvin said. .
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