The Impact of a Shuttered Rite Aid Store in New Lebanon, Ohio
In the small town of New Lebanon, Ohio, with a population of just 3,756, the closure of the local Rite Aid pharmacy has left a significant void in the community. Known for its three dollar stores, a Groceryland grocery store, a handful of fast-food restaurants, a public library branch, and a spirited school system, New Lebanon now faces a pressing issue: the absence of a pharmacy. This situation reflects a broader trend affecting many small towns across the United States, particularly in the wake of Rite Aid’s recent bankruptcy filing.
Rite Aid’s Bankruptcy and Store Closures
In October 2023, Rite Aid announced its bankruptcy, a move that included the closure of 800 stores nationwide. Ohio was particularly hard hit, with 180 closures planned, primarily in struggling small towns and Rust Belt cities. As of now, Rite Aid operates approximately 1,700 locations, a significant drop from the 2,111 reported at the time of bankruptcy. The company aims to emerge from bankruptcy with around 1,300 stores, leaving many communities, including New Lebanon, without access to essential pharmacy services.
New Lebanon’s Rite Aid officially closed its doors in September 2023, leaving residents without a local pharmacy. Mayor David Nickerson expressed his concerns, stating, "My community needs a pharmacist. It is concerning to me that the residents don’t have one here." The nearest pharmacy is now a 30-minute drive away in Dayton, where prescriptions have been transferred to a Walgreens location.
The Struggles of Local Residents
The closure of Rite Aid has forced residents like Joyce Dingman to travel further for their medications. "Before we moved to New Lebanon two years ago, there were three pharmacies," she lamented. With the recent closure of CVS and now Rite Aid, the community is left with no local options. Dingman and her husband now have to make a 30-minute trip to a Kroger pharmacy to fill their prescriptions.
Mayor Nickerson has taken it upon himself to ensure the safety of the alternative pharmacy options. He even conducted a thorough inspection of the Walgreens parking lot in Dayton, hoping to reassure constituents about the safety of the location. However, many elderly residents remain uncomfortable with the idea of traveling such distances, especially in an unfamiliar area.
The Broader Context: Pharmacy Deserts
New Lebanon is not alone in its struggle to maintain access to pharmacy services. Experts point to a national trend of "pharmacy deserts," where communities lose their local pharmacies due to various economic pressures. The retail pharmacy model has been increasingly challenged by complicated reimbursement rates and fierce competition from other retail sectors, including dollar stores and online pharmacies.
The role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) has come under scrutiny as well. These entities negotiate drug prices and reimbursement rates, often leading to lower payments for community pharmacies. Miranda Rochol, a senior vice president at Prescryptive Health, argues that PBMs are largely to blame for the financial struggles of smaller pharmacies, stating, "PBMs can steer patients into their own pharmacies, drive profit to their pharmacies, and under-pay community pharmacies."
The Human Element of Pharmacy Services
As pharmacies close, the human connection that local pharmacists provide is lost. Dr. Tamera Hughes, an assistant professor at High Point University, emphasizes the importance of the pharmacist-patient relationship. "Medication delivery takes away the engagement and rapport that pharmacists build within the communities they serve," she explains. Pharmacists often serve as a first line of defense for patients seeking advice on minor ailments, providing a level of care that goes beyond simply dispensing medications.
With the rise of online pharmacies and delivery services, the personal touch that local pharmacists offer is increasingly at risk. As Dr. Colin Banas, chief medical officer of DrFirst, points out, patients may need to get creative in accessing their medications, potentially relying on ride-share services or in-house pharmacies at local hospitals.
The Future of Pharmacy in New Lebanon
The closure of Rite Aid has left New Lebanon grappling with the implications of losing its pharmacy. Acting village manager Rob Anderson noted that the absence of Rite Aid creates a perception of decline in the town, despite its overall well-being. "Having Rite Aid leave makes it seem like your town is on a negative path when, in reality, New Lebanon is doing just fine," he said.
As the community seeks solutions, the need for a local pharmacy remains pressing. The loss of Rite Aid serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing small towns across America, where access to essential services is becoming increasingly limited. The residents of New Lebanon, like many others, are left hoping for a return of local pharmacy services that not only provide medications but also foster a sense of community and care.
