Washington, D.C. (November 1, 2024) – Walgreens recently announced it is closing 1,200 stores, contributing to the ongoing crisis of pharmacy deserts across the United States. The recent increase in pharmacy closures highlights the importance of ensuring that all Americans receive clear, printed Patient Medication Information (PMI) with every prescription so they can take medications safely even when they are far away from a pharmacy.
“The worsening public health threat from pharmacy deserts will fundamentally change how we deliver pharmacy care and keep patients safe while taking prescriptions,” said PPLA Board President Dave Joesten. “As pharmacies close, we can’t leave patients on their own without clear guidance about their prescriptions. Patients need cognitively-researched and printed medication information to stay informed about their medication plans when they can’t reach a pharmacist.”
Despite the growing number of pharmacy closures, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering a rule limiting access to printed PMI and imposing over $1.6 billion in costs annually on pharmacies, exacerbating the pharmacy desert crisis. With less access to pharmacists, patients must have clear, printed medication information to take their prescriptions safely.
A bipartisan coalition led by Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Jared Golden (D-ME), and Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) introduced the Patients’ Right to Know Their Medication Act (H.R. 1173) to ensure that all patients receive accurate, printed PMI with every prescription.
The Pharmaceutical Printed Literature Association
Chartered in 2001, the PPLA serves as the voice for our members, advocating for patient safety and risk communication by fighting to keep information on paper and readily accessible for patients and caregivers. This information helps drive the patient involvement model of health care, helping patients get the maximum benefits from the powerful drugs they take while minimizing risk.
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