inman, south carolina — From medicines to milkshakes, Kempson Rexall Pharmacy has been a staple in the small community of Inman, South Carolina since 1905. Many residents often call here first to get there.
“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 they get, the attention they get.”
But like many people independent pharmacywhich requires a glimmer of hope.
The Associated Press reported, citing data from the University of Pittsburgh, that at least 7,000 pharmacies have closed across the United States since 2019. Of these, about half are independent pharmacies.
“We've had to make some adjustments, some changes. We've had to cut back on some time and do what we can to stay alive and keep the doors open,” McElwain said. “There's been a lot of sleepless nights,” he added. ”.
Large drugstore chains are not immune. walgreensFor example, it lost $8 billion last fiscal year, according to the company.
Clemson University professor Lori Trudell said pharmacy desert has become a crisis for the United States
“When you think about the thousands of pharmacies that are closing in rural communities, you're losing access to all of that health care,” Trudell said.
In the back of McElveen's store, the dispensary itself, profit margins have dropped to between 3% and 5%.
“Especially with expensive brand-name drugs, we fill those drugs and even if we pay for those drugs, we may not get reimbursed,” McElveen said.
The National Association of Community Pharmacists predicts that by 2024, an average of more than one independent pharmacy will close every day.
“It saddens me that this part of America, this part of its business, is going to disappear. We're not going to throw in the towel. We're in it for the long haul,” McElveen said.
Mark Strassman
