Pharmacy Closures Threaten Rural Healthcare in Alabama

In Alabama, losing a local pharmacy can pose serious risks to healthcare, especially for rural residents. For many, these pharmacies are not just about prescriptions; they represent a crucial link to the healthcare system. Families rely on them for lifesaving medications, vaccines, and answers to health-related questions. When these pharmacies shut their doors, the consequences can be severe.

Many independent pharmacies in Alabama are facing significant challenges to stay afloat. In 2024, there have been numerous closures, limiting care options across the state. This has contributed to the rise of “pharmacy deserts,” where data indicates that in rural counties, patients often reside more than 10 miles away from the nearest pharmacy. Some counties have only a few pharmacies serving large populations spread over vast areas.

For families juggling long work hours and childcare responsibilities, the additional distance to pharmacies can turn a straightforward task—like picking up blood pressure medication—into an all-day event. It’s often not that patients are neglecting their health; rather, access can feel utterly out of reach.

The issue of distance is compounded by limited broadband access in many rural areas, which affects millions, including those in Alabama. Without reliable internet, when local pharmacies close, patients can’t easily turn to digital solutions, like telehealth or mail-order services, to fill the gap.

The impacts are stark. Research indicates that when patients in rural areas lose their access to local pharmacies, adherence to medications drops, chronic health issues escalate, and hospital admissions climb. For Alabama’s elderly population, managing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure could mean the difference between stable health and a crisis.

These closures also erode the trust and personal connections that define rural healthcare. Independent pharmacists often know their patients well, recognizing when prescriptions go unfilled and checking in on those who seem unwell. When these pharmacies disappear, patients find themselves without crucial support from knowledgeable healthcare professionals.

Unfortunately, the FDA is contemplating regulations that could worsen the situation for patients and further burden already struggling pharmacies. One proposal suggests moving Patient Medication Information (PMI) to primarily online formats. This could hinder access for Alabamians without dependable internet or those lacking smartphones to scan codes for information.

Moreover, the proposed rule requires patients to explicitly request printed PMI when picking up prescriptions. If they do, the responsibility for printing this information would shift from pharmaceutical companies to pharmacists, creating an estimated 86 million additional hours of work each year nationwide, along with $1.6 billion in extra costs. Given that community pharmacies in Alabama are barely surviving, placing more demands on them seems misguided—especially since drug companies continue making significant profits.

There is potential for a solution. A bipartisan bill aims to ensure patients receive printed drug information, placing the responsibility on drug companies rather than already burdened pharmacies. Congressman Terry Sewell has previously supported this initiative, and her ongoing support, along with that of other Congressional members, could be vital. The residents of rural Alabama need certainty as they face pharmacy closures and limited healthcare access. Securing printed drug information could significantly empower patients statewide.

Protecting pharmacies in Alabama equates to safeguarding the health of its residents. Without significant action, more communities may not only lose their pharmacies but also the comfort and assurance that comes with accessible healthcare.