Rural pharmacies face financial pressures, closures

Although pharmacies in rural areas are often critical for patients in underserved communities, their owners may face closures and challenges keeping them operating, according to an article published in The Associated Press.

These rural pharmacies — both independent and chain businesses — provide access to prescription drugs and other treatments for Americans who may face barriers to care. However, the owners detailed that financial pressures, local market dynamics, population shifts and the number of stores in the area selling similar products can all force them to close. Because the nearest pharmacies may be eight miles or more away, when rural pharmacies close, patients lose convenient access to potentially life-saving medications.

Read more: The Associated Press

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