Pharmacies Cut Hours, Scramble for Workers. Customers May Face Delays Getting Their Meds.

SOUTH BEND — Stores that consumers depend on to get their prescriptions filled are struggling with the same labor shortage that has hit restaurants and other businesses, as they reduce hours and as many customers face delays in getting their medicines.

A thinner pool of employees has prompted pharmacies like CVS Health and Walgreens to drastically reduce hours. At the same time, they're facing unprecedented demand for services because of COVID-19 — offering immunizations, testing and medications aimed at the virus. Labor shift:South Bend area workers look for more flexibility, better wages, independence

The National Community Pharmacists Association said in June that a survey revealed 80% of its members are having a difficult time filling open positions. Nearly 90% of the survey respondents said they couldn't find pharmacy technicians, and about 60% said they couldn't find employees to run cash registers, track inventory and manage other basic store operations.

"This is a major challenge for community pharmacies that are seeing many more patients because of the pandemic," B. Douglas Hoey, CEO of the organization, said in a release.

"Finding qualified workers is tough under normal circumstances," he added. "This is an acute problem for local pharmacies that should be at full strength now."

The reduced hours and high demand has been noticed by consumers, who have reported long lines and sometimes delays in getting prescriptions filled.

Jacque Stahl, vice president of marketing for the South Bend Clinic, said patients should not take chances on important prescriptions and should assume that it could take days to get orders filled. She also recommended the use of pharmacy apps that allow people to track the progress of their prescriptions.

Ray Kadi, owner of University Commons Pharmacy on Indiana 23, across from the University Park Mall, said consumers should also consider shopping around to get their prescriptions filled.

"We're fortunate that we have the necessary employees," Kadi said. "In most cases, we can fill a prescription in 15 minutes."

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