Roxbury Walgreens Permanently Closes, Sparking Community Outrage
A Walgreens store in Roxbury, Boston, has closed its doors permanently, despite protests from the local community and politicians. This closure marks the fourth Walgreens location to shut down in less than two years, following closures in Mattapan, Hyde Park, and another in Roxbury.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Walgreens explained that the decision to close the Warren Street location was based on several factors, including the company’s goal to be the independent partner of choice in healthcare services. They also mentioned changes in buying habits and the dynamics of the local market as contributing factors. Walgreens had previously announced plans to close 200 stores nationwide, including several hundred in Massachusetts.
Community Outcry Over Closure
The closure of the Walgreens store in Roxbury has left community members feeling abandoned and without access to essential products and services. Residents expressed their concerns, highlighting the impact on elderly individuals who rely on the pharmacy. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also voiced her disappointment, stating that the closure would make it harder for residents to access necessary medication.
Politicians Weigh In
Representative Ayanna Pressley addressed the closure on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, accusing Walgreens of “divesting from Black and brown communities.” Roxbury is an 85% Black and Latino neighborhood, making the closure particularly impactful. Pressley emphasized the negative consequences of the closure, including the loss of jobs and access to essential items like baby formula and medications.
Earlier this month, Pressley, along with Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, sent a letter to Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth urging him to reconsider the closure. They highlighted the importance of the Warren Street Walgreens in providing essential products and medications to the community.
Challenges for the Community
While Walgreens plans to transfer patient files to a location one mile away, this presents a significant hurdle for vulnerable populations within the community. The representatives pointed out that for those without reliable transportation, such as seniors or individuals with mobility limitations, accessing life-saving medication could become insurmountable.
Warren and Markey expressed their willingness to work with Walgreens to ensure that the community is not left without essential services. In response, Walgreens is offering free automatic transfer of prescriptions to their store on Columbus Ave., along with 90 days of free same-day prescription delivery and a wide range of available products.
Despite these efforts, community members and politicians remain concerned about the larger pattern of closures occurring predominantly in Black and Latino neighborhoods. They argue that these closures perpetuate racial and economic discrimination.
The closure of the Roxbury Walgreens has sparked outrage and calls for action from the community and politicians alike. The impact on vulnerable populations and the broader implications of these closures are at the forefront of the ongoing discussion.
