Representative Ayanna Pressley has publicly criticized Walgreens for its decision to close a store in the predominantly Black and Hispanic community of Roxbury, Boston. This move marks the fourth such closure by the pharmacy chain in the city within a little over a year, sparking concerns over access to essential goods and services.
During a speech on the House floor, Pressley condemned the closure, highlighting the significant impact it has on communities like Roxbury, where the population is largely comprised of Black and Latino residents. She characterized the action as a deliberate disinvestment in low-income neighborhoods, equating it to a life-threatening form of racial and economic discrimination.
The congresswoman pointed out that when Walgreens shuts down a store, it not only removes access to critical healthcare products like baby formula, asthma inhalers, and life-saving medications but also eliminates job opportunities for local residents. Pressley, along with Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, has called on Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth for an explanation, demanding more accountability from the corporation.
Walgreens defended the closure, stating it was a tough decision influenced by various factors including operational costs, low prescription volume, and insufficient reimbursement rates. The company assured that patient files and prescriptions from the Roxbury location would be transferred to another store approximately a mile away. Additionally, Walgreens has offered free same-day delivery of prescriptions for a 90-day period to ease the transition for affected customers.
The closure has reignited accusations of racial bias against Walgreens, recalling a similar situation in 2022 when the company was accused of racism following the closure of three stores in predominantly minority neighborhoods. Walgreens has maintained that multiple factors, including local market dynamics and changing customer behaviors, inform their decisions to close stores.
Pressley’s strong rebuke reflects growing tensions between large corporations and the communities they serve, especially in areas where residents rely heavily on such stores for access to healthcare and essential goods.