Why Independent Pharmacies Remain a Pillar for Access, Community Health

Jun 30, 2023
Eric Elliott

Independent pharmacies can provide more personalized care to individuals with behavioral health conditions or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Like all of health care in recent decades, pharmacy has seen many changes, including buyouts and consolidation. With the rise of drug prices, only a small handful of pharmacy organizations take in the majority of drug revenue. These same large pharmacy corporations often own or are closely connected with the organizations responsible for setting the prices of drugs and making the most money—and in their mission to maximize profits, patients suffer the consequences.

Patients, especially those with disabilities or who require complicated treatment for behavioral health conditions, are struggling to get access to and afford the drugs they need. These patients need a different way of doing pharmacy.

They need local, independent pharmacies that offer customized solutions to their unique needs. They need pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who can connect with patients as members of the community, offering consultation, financial aid, and personalized support to those who have been left behind—or dropped entirely—by large pharmacy organizations.

Returning a Sense of Community Responsibility
Why local and independent? Local pharmacies can offer customized services, which set them apart from larger pharmacies and are often able to provide more personalized care and counseling to individuals than large pharmacies, which in turn gives those pharmacists a better understanding of the unique needs of each person.

As large pharmacy organizations consolidate and close stores, people who are already struggling to get care are facing yet another hurdle. Independent pharmacies are offering stability and support in a time of change.

Independent pharmacies have been around for decades, and they have adapted to the needs of consumers over time. They offer a wide range of services, including prescription filling, immunizations, and counseling. They also often have longer hours than chain pharmacies, which makes it easier for people to get the care they need.

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