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

Dr. Dima Qato, professor at the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy. 

Links: 

Why the new Rite Aid bankruptcy could kill Seattle’s Bartell Drugs

Filling a prescription in the Seattle area? Put on comfortable shoes and be ready to wait

Reforming Markets to Strengthen Independent Pharmacies

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.