There are real consequences to the pharmacist shortage and that is apparent in Nogales, Ariz., where a Walgreens is closing its pharmacy earlier during the week and completely on the weekends until it can find new hires to staff the store.
Carol Hively, a spokesperson for Walgreens, told NogalesInternational.com that the company is "working on recruiting" new pharmacists and is looking to move people around shifts to keep the Nogales location open longer.
Ms. Hively advised locals to call ahead to the pharmacy to be sure it is open before venturing out. Unfortunately, if the store is closed, the next nearest Walgreens is 35 miles away.
The situation faced by Walgreens in Nogales is growing increasingly common for pharmacies faced with a shortage of licensed pharmacists. It is a situation that is not likely to get better soon.
Discussion Questions: How common are situations such as that faced by Walgreens in Nogales, Ariz.? What type of impact is the pharmacist shortage having on the growth plans of retail pharmacy operators? How are retailers operating pharmacies dealing with the situation at hand?