A Walgreens Closing Causes Community Outcry

The shuttering of a key Walgreens in Boston sparked an outcry among local residents. This Roxbury store, nestled beside a dialysis center, served as the only pharmacy in the area predominantly inhabited by racial minorities. It’s a sad piece of the wider picture, with about 200 Walgreens closures due across the nation this year.

The closure didn’t happen without a fight. Determined locals spent weeks urging the company to reevaluate its decision, but to no avail. The store, located at 416 Warren St., ceased operations at 3 p.m. on Jan. 31, despite the vibrant opposition.

Prominent figures in Boston, including the mayor and local representatives, expressed their displeasure at the closure. They drew attention to the burdensome impact such closures have on communities already struggling with limited options for accessing medical supplies. They view this as another instance of corporations abandoning communities of color and immigrant neighborhoods. They strongly urge Walgreens to engage with the community to appreciate and mitigate the repercussions of this move.

In a controversial move, Walgreens transferred prescription files to their location at 1890 Columbus Ave., which lies about a mile away. For those without personal vehicles, reaching the alternate store would require two bus journeys each way. This relocation causes undue hassles specifically for senior citizens and those with mobility issues.

Meanwhile, Roxbury activists are not just sitting back. In a fervent pursuit of justice, they have sought the help of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Division and private attorneys. Their aim is to obtain financial compensation to assist in arranging transportation for seniors to the nearest pharmacy.

A local activist underscored the apparent disparity. While Walgreens has been enthusiastically setting up unit clinics in suburban locations, it simultaneously shuts down in a community of color. This stark contrast stirs a sense of injustice.

In response to the heated discussions, Walgreens conceded to offer free same-day home delivery for 90 days for customers from the now-closed Roxbury store. The heavy impact echoes beyond Roxbury and resonates nationally, where similar scenarios are unfolding.