Kansas City’s Neighborhood Pharmacies Face Closures, jeopardizing Community Health Access

Kansas City Faces Rising Pharmacy Closures: The Heart of Community Health at Risk

Kansas City is experiencing a concerning trend that could affect the health of many residents. As neighborhood pharmacies, often seen as the main source of health care for urban, rural, and low-income communities, continue to close their doors, residents are left wondering where they can turn for their healthcare needs.

The Struggle for Pharmacies

Over the last few years, pharmacy closures have surged not only nationwide but especially in Kansas City. Dean of the UMKC School of Pharmacy, Russ Melchert, points out that pharmacies are finding it incredibly difficult to make ends meet due to today’s reimbursement rates. No matter if it’s an independent pharmacy or a well-known chain, many are reportedly losing money on a significant portion of the medications they dispense.

“Pharmacy closures nationwide are impacting everybody,” Melchert explained, shedding light on a situation that touches many lives.

Dwindling Pharmacy School Enrollment

An additional concern is the drop in enrollment in pharmacy schools across the country. Back in the 2019-2020 academic year, approximately 14,000 pharmacists graduated from pharmacy programs. Predictions for 2026 show that number could fall to around 8,000 nationwide, marking a significant decrease in the workforce.

A University of Pittsburgh researcher has found that since 2019, there have been at least 7,000 pharmacy closures across the United States, with nearly 100 closures occurring right here in Kansas City since 2014.

Local Voices Share Their Concerns

Residents like Diane Marquez, who fills her prescriptions at the Pharmacy of Grace in Kansas City, Kansas, know all too well the challenges that come with these closures. “There was a CVS, probably two blocks from where I live, but it’s closed,” she shared. For Marquez, who manages a thyroid disorder and diabetes, accessing medication has become much more complicated.

“In a perfect world, you would or should be able to just go to, you know, a block down the street or two blocks down the street and pick up your medication,” she explained, emphasizing the reliance on nearby pharmacy access for her health needs.

The Real-Life Impact of Closure

Marquez recalls times when she had to take on a second job just to afford her medications, showing how pharmacy closures are not just about convenience but essential health management for many individuals.

Kari Duede, a pharmacist at Pharmacy of Grace, echoes these sentiments. She believes that when pharmacies close, it translates to less accessible and affordable care for everyone. “That can lead to negative health outcomes for the patient, which in turn could lead to negative health outcomes for the entire community,” Duede said.

Duede stresses the importance of one-on-one counseling, which is becoming increasingly difficult due to pharmacy closures. “It’s just one more barrier to people who are already struggling to make ends meet and, you know, get their best access to healthcare,” she said, revealing a real challenge for many who depend on pharmacies for health advice and medication management.

Looking Ahead

As Kansas City residents navigate these changing healthcare landscapes, it’s essential to understand the ripple effects of pharmacy closures. Less access to pharmacies not only complicates medication management but also puts overall community health at risk. With fewer pharmacists graduating and pharmacies shutting down, many are left to wonder what the future holds for their health care.

In these times of uncertainty, it becomes increasingly vital for communities to come together, share resources, and advocate for accessible health care solutions to ensure that everyone has a chance to receive the care they need.