The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), in collaboration with the University of Southern California (USC), unveiled an interactive, user-friendly pharmacy shortage area mapping tool available to the general public for the first time.
The mapping tool reveals that approximately one in eight U.S. neighborhoods – representing millions of Americans – persistently lack convenient access to pharmacy services. In rural areas and underserved urban communities, the problem is far more severe, with some states and counties experiencing shortage rates approaching 50 percent.
The tool defines pharmacy shortage areas based on travel distance to the nearest pharmacy as defined below:
- More than 10 miles in rural areas
- More than 2 miles in suburban areas
- More than 1 mile in urban areas
- More than half a mile in low-income neighborhoods with low vehicle ownership
To access the tool, you’ll need to sign up for an account.