Community pharmacies declined by nearly 10% in the last 5 years

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The number of community pharmacies in Virginia — including chains — has declined by nearly 10% since 2019.

That’s according to a new report from the Joint Commission on Health Care, which was tasked with studying access to pharmacy services in Virginia. Legislative staff presented the findings to the commission Wednesday in Richmond.

“Community pharmacies are a critical access point for healthcare services,” said Jen Piver-Renna, deputy director of the commission. “They dispense medications and provide health services such as vaccinations to all members of the public. They are open longer than other health care offices and provide opportunities for face-to-face medication, counseling, and education.”

But the total number of community pharm