Pharmacy deserts—areas where residents have limited access to retail pharmacies—are a growing concern in the United States. Recent research has identified the top five worst U.S. pharmacy deserts, highlighting regions where obtaining prescription medications and pharmacy services is particularly challenging.
The study utilized pharmacy location data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs to assess travel times to pharmacies compared to supermarkets. A census tract was classified as a pharmacy desert if the travel time to the nearest retail pharmacy exceeded that to the nearest supermarket. Additionally, areas with only one retail pharmacy closer than the nearest supermarket were deemed vulnerable to becoming pharmacy deserts.
The findings underscore the pressing need for targeted interventions to improve pharmacy access in these underserved regions. Potential solutions include policy initiatives to support the establishment of pharmacies in these areas, incentives for pharmacists to serve in underserved communities, and the expansion of telepharmacy services. Addressing the challenges posed by pharmacy deserts is crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare access for all Americans.