Update on Rural Independently Owned Pharmacy Closures in the United States, 2003-2021

Nearly half of rural pharmacies are independently owned retail stores and are susceptible to closing due to financial hardship. This policy brief from the RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis builds on the history of Rural Policy Research Institute projects examining the provision of pharmacy services and updates on pharmacy closure in rural areas of the United States. Monthly data on all institutions providing pharmacy services in the 50 states and the District of Columbia were obtained from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs.