Black and Latino Neighborhoods in U.S. Cities Struggle with Reduced Access to Essential Pharmacies
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA — In parts of Montgomery’s north side, the absence of vital services like pharmacies underscores a growing issue faced by many historically Black neighborhoods. Sharon Harris, a resident of Newtown, a predominantly Black area, expresses her frustration as the local pharmacy closed five years ago, forcing her to travel four miles to fill prescriptions.
This scenario is not unique to Montgomery. Across the U.S., numerous major retail pharmacies have shut down hundreds of stores in recent years, and independent pharmacies often struggle to remain operational. The result is a significant reduction in access to pharmacies for residents of color, who rely on these establishments not only for prescriptions but also for fundamental public health services, including vaccinations and over-the-counter medicines.
Dima Qato, a professor of clinical pharmacy at the University of Southern California, emphasizes the broader implications: “Closures create a situation where there’s not just a lack of investment in pharmacy development and expansion, but there’s no incentive to stay in those neighborhoods.”
An Associated Press analysis of licensing data from 44 states, the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs, and the American Community Survey reveals that majority Black and Hispanic neighborhoods have fewer pharmacies per capita compared to predominantly white neighborhoods.
In Cleveland, MAC Pharmacy serves about 20,000 people in a predominantly Black ZIP code. George Tadross, the pharmacy manager, ensures personalized service for his mostly elderly clientele. “You have to have a pharmacist to talk to,” Tadross states, highlighting the critical role pharmacists play in managing chronic diseases prevalent in these communities.
Language and cultural barriers further complicate access. Jasmine Gonzalvo of Purdue University’s College of Pharmacy notes that pharmacists who reflect their customer base can build stronger rapport and trust. This is crucial for patients who might otherwise struggle with medication adherence due to communication issues.
In Elizabeth, New Jersey, Bert’s Pharmacy addresses these challenges by maintaining bilingual staff and providing Spanish-language labels and instructions. Owner Prakash Patel ensures that his predominantly Hispanic customers understand their medications fully.
Montgomery’s north side is undergoing development planning, with analysis showing a small pharmacy could generate $1.5 million annually. Bob Gibbs of Gibbs Planning Group, which conducted the analysis, sees an opportunity due to the residents’ loyalty to local businesses. However, Harris remains skeptical about new developments: “I don’t see it happening,” she says, indicating a lack of faith in seeing new pharmacy openings soon.
The struggle for accessible pharmacies in Black and Latino neighborhoods is a significant public health issue, necessitating attention and action to bridge the health disparities exacerbated by these closures.
