Pharmacy First in Huntsville, Alabama Shuts Down
Pharmacy First located on Whitesburg Drive in Huntsville, Alabama has regrettably closed its doors this week. This closure adds to the growing list of pharmacy shutdowns, not only in North Alabama, but also across the nation.
A Tearful Closure
Pharmacy First’s technician, Jennifer Potts, expressed her sorrow over the closure. “I’ve cried a lot about it, I’m really upset about it,” she lamented. “A lot of our patients are elderly and need extra help, and I’ve really enjoyed helping them throughout the years.”
Fear of a National Trend
Major pharmacy chains such as Walgreens and CVS have already closed several stores nationwide, and rising medication costs coupled with the difficulty of acquiring them are suspected to be the causes. “It takes four to six weeks for us to get reimbursed, and if we have to order medicine, we have to wait for that money to come in,” Potts explained.
An Uncertain Future
Potts is concerned that other local independent pharmacies may meet the same fate, dealing a significant blow to the community. She further elaborated on the close-knit relationship pharmacists maintain with their patients thusly; “It’s just like family,” Potts echoed. “You know everyone on a one-on-one level and you can talk about anything. People talk to him about baseball, football, and fishing and stay here for hours. They’re talking to a friend. Even though he’s their pharmacist, he’s their friend first.”
Voices for Change
Trent Mclemore, a colleague from Star Pharmacy, concurs with Potts’ fears. “Pharmacies are not closing because they want to,” Mclemore states. “Pharmacies are closing because they don’t have a better option.” He underlined the hardships and uncertainty faced by independent pharmacists, expressing desire for a change in the Alabama law for pharmacy transparency.
Mclemore voiced his concern about the unclear business requirements for pharmacists, he said. “I don’t know anywhere else where you can open a business and wonder what you’re going to get paid for something you’d sell. All states surrounding us have passed laws. I just don’t know why we can’t, here.”
Implications of The Closure
With Pharmacy First’s exit, the community of Huntsville loses not just a local pharmacy, but also a trusted friend and confidant. This places the spotlight on legislators as the sector calls for reform for a more viable business model and transparency in pharmaceutical practices. As the pandemic continues, health infrastructures need stronger support more than ever.
