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What's the future of independent hometown pharmacies that provide medication, and other health services for families? The public is invited to hear about this issue Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Warren Public Library.
Two local pharmacists have led state and national efforts for legislators and the public to take actions on public health and survival of independent pharmacies.
This year, pharmacist Scott Newton -- Warren's local owner of Gaughn's Drug Store for over 20 years -- gave testimony in a PA House committee in Harrisburg explaining how pharmacies are facing challenges.
Pharmacist Chris Darling, owner of Darling Apothecary and Darling's Homecare since 2005, has been active on the federal level, presenting multiple times in Washington. He also has served as past chairperson and current board member of Independent Pharmacy Cooperative with 3,000 members, doing legislative advocacy through that group. He is the owner of RxAssassins, a software and data analytics company that helps independent pharmacies buy smarter to help them stay viable.
Learn how pharmacies are reimbursed by Pharmacy Benefit Managers -- PBMs -- which control drug pricing, leaving independent pharmacy businesses struggling to provide the public with affordable medications and other health-related services.
In PA, approximately 200 community pharmacies closed between January 2024 to 2025.
Today, many rural patients are in "pharmacy deserts" and no longer have an independent pharmacy within reasonable proximity. This affects elderly patients with limited income, patients of any age without transportation, immunizations, or managing chronic conditions. It is more than inconvenient -- and can be life-threatening.
Both pharmacists will give scenarios of how PA and national legislation could create greater transparency and accountability within the PBM system.
Following the presentation, the attendees can ask questions and learn more.