Ocean county faces pharmacy crisis as rite aid stores close unexpectedly

Ocean County Faces Pharmacy Crisis as Rite Aid Stores Close Unexpectedly

by
October 24, 2023
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TOMS RIVER, NJ — Ocean County’s senior citizens confront an uncertain future as two Rite Aid pharmacies abruptly closed their doors this month, according to Joseph H. Vicari, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners.

Vicari revealed that the Rite Aid locations in the Whiting section of Manchester Township and on Route 37 in Toms River closed with little advance notice. “I am afraid this is just the beginning and we could see more closings in the coming weeks,” Vicari stated.

Pharmacy chains like Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens are under financial strain following a series of opioid-related lawsuits. All three companies have signaled that additional closures are imminent. “The two stores we lost were open one day and closed the next,” said Vicari. “Which pharmacies will be next?”

Vicari has reached out to Governor Phil Murphy, both through a letter and direct communication with the Governor’s office, asking for state intervention to forestall or delay additional closings. In his letter, Vicari emphasized the broad impact on the community, stating, “I am asking you to consider how our state and county governments can assist not only senior citizens, but also younger people who need doctor-prescribed pharmaceuticals due to sickness or injury.”

With the dwindling number of pharmacies in the county, Vicari predicts longer lines and added pressure on the remaining stores. He also questioned the future of customers who had active prescriptions at the now-closed stores. Vicari suggested that chain pharmacies should provide a 60-day closing notice to customers, along with a contact phone number posted at the closed stores.

Vicari, also the chairman of the Office of Senior Services, highlighted the compounded impact of these closures on senior communities. The closed Rite Aid in Whiting was strategically located near some of the county’s largest adult communities. The county also has a substantial population of residents aged 85 and older who rely on prescription medications.

While the impact is felt most keenly by seniors, Vicari noted that younger residents and children who rely on prescribed medications will also be affected.

In his appeal to Governor Murphy, Vicari urged collaboration across various levels of government to tackle the looming pharmacy shortage.

Phil Stilton
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