Op-Ed By 

DM Williamee

Recently, I received an automated call from the big-chain pharmacy that I use to fill my prescriptions notifying me that my prescription was ready for pick-up. Upon arrival, however, the pharmacy was closed. I located a store employee who shared that they did not know the why or when it would re-open. I was given the corporate phone number to call for more information. When I called, they provided no clear answers and were of limited help. Yes-my pharmacy was closed. When would it re-open? Hopefully soon. Why was it closed? Silence. I was then advised that my prescription could be transferred to the nearest open pharmacy in their chain, conveniently located in Springfield. What? 

Fortunately, my pharmacy re-opened less than 48 hours later. When I went back to pick up my prescription, there was only one person working there who I recognized. A few days later, I was sharing my experience with another person, who uses a different chain pharmacy in a different town, who told me that they had the same experience in the last two weeks. After comparing notes, I decided to research the issue and what I learned was is concerning.

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