Rite Aid Closure in Honesdale Raises Concerns Over Growth of Pharmacy Deserts

Pharmacy closures are becoming an increasingly familiar story for Americans. The Rite Aid just outside of Honesdale, PA on Route 6 closed on June 4 after the company filed bankruptcy for a second time back in May. The pharmacy was bought out by Weis Markets, which has its own pharmacy just across the street from the former Rite Aid, but the automatic transfer of patients from Rite Aid to Weis Pharmacy has proven to be shaky as customers face new barriers to accessing their prescriptions. Radio Catskill’s Julia Kim had the chance to speak with Sullivan County resident Catherine Montesi, Honesdale Mayor Derek Williams and owners Todd and Wayne Stephens, who run the local Stephens Pharmacy about the immediate problems the Rite Aid closure has created for the local community as well as the impending issue of pharmacy deserts both in the region and across the country.