Democratic Representative Ayanna Pressley has recently accused Walgreens of racial discrimination following the closure of another store in her Massachusetts district.
The store in question is located on Warren Street in Roxbury, a community predominantly composed of black and Latino residents.
"Mr. Speaker, Walgreens is planning to close yet another pharmacy in the Massachusetts Seventh this time on Warren Street in Roxbury, a community that is 85 percent black and Latino," Pressley stated. She further elaborated that this closure is part of a broader trend of the company withdrawing from low-income communities. She cited previous closures within her district as evidence of this pattern.
Pressley expressed her concern over the impact of these closures on the local communities. "When a Walgreens leaves a neighborhood, they disrupt the entire community, and they take with them baby formula, diapers, asthma inhalers, life-saving medications, and, of course, jobs," she said. She firmly believes these closures are not random or innocent, but rather "life-threatening acts of racial and economic discrimination."
Pressley, along with Senators Markey and Warren, has demanded answers from the CEO of Walgreens. She criticized the company for not seeking community input or providing adequate notice to customers. She also questioned the lack of transition resources to prevent gaps in healthcare services.
Pressley called out Walgreens, a multibillion-dollar corporation, for not living up to its stated commitments. "Having a website with talking points about health equity and underserved communities is not enough," she said. "Walgreens needs to put their money where their mouth is."
However, Pressley's accusations overlook a broader trend affecting not just Walgreens, but other major retailers across the United States. Companies like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy have also been forced to close stores due to rising crime and theft rates.
Former Republican Congressional candidate Kimberly Klacik responded to Pressley's claims, inviting her to visit West Baltimore to see the issue firsthand. Others have also questioned whether there might be more to the Walgreens closure than Pressley has suggested.
Some critics argue that the closures are a natural consequence of increased theft and looting. "If you steal or loot too much, stores close. Ayanna Pressleys sense of entitlement is breathtaking," one user commented.
Walgreens has indeed closed stores in the past due to downsizing or crime. In 2021, the company closed as many as five stores in San Francisco due to a surge in organized shoplifting. Similar closures occurred in Illinois, Texas, and Florida.
Despite the closure in Pressley's district, the affected community will not be left without pharmacy services. According to WBUR, the pharmacy "will automatically transfer Warren Street customers prescriptions to the nearest store at 1890 Columbus Ave." The company will also offer free same-day delivery of prescriptions and other products for 90 days.
Login