The end of Bartell Drugs and the rise of pharmacy deserts
Founded in 1890 in the Central District, Bartell Drugs may be entering its final days.
Its parent company, the national pharmacy chain Rite Aid, exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy late last year, but continues to struggle financially. Now, the fewer than 30 Bartell Drugs and around 100 Rite Aids will be sold or closed forever.
This continued hemorrhaging of retail pharmacy stores will likely be felt most acutely in lower-income neighborhoods. A 2022 UW study already put the number of Washingtonians with low-access to pharmacies at 1.2 million.
Guests:
Alex Halverson, Seattle Times business reporter…
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