News Summary
Jacksonville is grappling with a significant healthcare challenge following the closure of two Walgreens stores, which has impacted thousands of residents’ access to prescription medications. Local leaders estimate that up to 60,000 people rely on these pharmacies, and many are facing delays in receiving critical prescriptions. Community members have expressed frustration over the limited options available, with only one Walgreens remaining in the area. A public meeting is scheduled for residents to voice their concerns and seek solutions for this growing access crisis.
Jacksonville is facing a significant healthcare challenge as the closure of two Walgreens stores has left thousands of residents struggling to access necessary prescription medications. The Walgreens locations affected are off Soutel Drive near Paxon Parkway and at the Gateway in District 10, leaving only one Walgreens in the area to serve the vast population that relies on these pharmacies.
Local leaders, including District 10 City Council Member JuCoby Pittman, estimate that between 50,000 and 60,000 people in the surrounding neighborhoods depend on Walgreens for their medication needs. The closures have raised alarms about potential delays in accessing essential prescriptions, particularly impacting vulnerable groups such as the elderly and low-income families who may have limited options for healthcare services.
As a direct consequence of losing these two pharmacies, residents have reported waiting days or even weeks to fill critical prescriptions. Concerns have been voiced about the access crisis, with one resident noting it took 14 days for her sister to receive pain medication following surgery. Reports indicate the remaining Walgreens is experiencing long lines and prescription availability issues, further compounding the problem for those in urgent need of medications.
Community member Alexis Babbs has expressed frustration regarding the challenging situation, emphasizing the necessity of having pharmacies readily available for residents. The challenges are compounded by other recent changes in the area, such as the conversion of Harvey’s Supermarkets into Aldi locations, which further restricts access to daily essentials for families. Residents are urged to explore alternative pharmacies and options for obtaining medications, although dependency on a single pharmacy is proving to be inadequate.
Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, Council Member Reggie Gaffney Jr. has organized a public meeting to address pharmacy closures and explore solutions. This meeting is set for the following day at City Hall, where residents will have the opportunity to voice their concerns and seek remedy to the dramatic impacts of the closures on their healthcare access.
Other council members, including Rahman Johnson, have reported encountering similar issues in their districts, highlighting a broader trend affecting several neighborhoods in Jacksonville. Meanwhile, Walgreens has announced plans to close 1,200 stores nationwide over three years, though it has not confirmed whether the Jacksonville closures are part of that strategy.
Council Member Pittman has opened communication with Walgreens to address the ongoing accessibility issues faced by residents. Efforts are being made to resolve staffing and supply shortages which have contributed to the current delays and inconveniences at the pharmacies. Residents continue to express their frustrations and urge local leaders to act on the difficulties that have arisen as a result of the store closures.
As the crisis unfolds, it remains imperative for community members and local leaders to work collaboratively in addressing these healthcare access challenges and ensuring that the needs of the Northside residents are met. The upcoming public meeting may serve as a pivotal moment to gather insights and stimulate action towards finding a viable path forward.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jacksonville Nonprofits Face Budget Cuts Amid Growing Needs
Jacksonville University Expands Nursing Program With New Facility
Jacksonville Man Discharged After Battling Flesh-Eating Bacteria
Controversy Erupts Over Housing Developments Near Tire Recycling Plant in Jacksonville
Florida Ends School Vaccine Mandates Amid Public Safety Concerns
Florida Faces Major Healthcare Changes Amid New Legislation
Miami-Dade Beacon Council Wins Bronze at IEDC Awards
Jacksonville Job Fair Connecting Job Seekers with Employers
Parker’s Kitchen Plans Expansion into Northeast Florida
Concerns Rise Over Proposal to Eliminate Vaccine Mandates in Florida Schools
Additional Resources
- Action News Jax
- Jacksonville.com
- News4Jax
- Newsweek
- GoErie
- Wikipedia: Walgreens
- Google Search: Walgreens store closures Jacksonville
- Google Scholar: Walgreens pharmacy closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pharmacy
- Google News: Jacksonville pharmacy closures
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
