November 25, 2024
Journal of Rural Health Article: Community Responses and Adaptations Following the Closure of a Rural Pharmacy and Primary Care Facility
This study investigates the experiences of one rural community in Central Pennsylvania following the closure of its singular pharmacy and primary health care facility. It aims to understand community members’ responses and adaptations to declining health care accessibility and broader implications for rural health policy and practice.
Findings:
The closure of the health care facilities resulted in significant social and economic impacts, particularly among vulnerable groups, such as older adults, people with disabilities, and working-class families. Participants reported:
- Increased reliance on their social support networks to access care,
- Delays in seeking care due to the strain from longer travel distances,
- Loss of familiar and trusted care providers.
The study also found there to be an over-reliance on local emergency medical services for routine care. Although the community demonstrated resilience through the use of social networks, some adaptations carried health risks, including delayed care and unmonitored use of alternative remedies.
Conclusions
The study highlights the need for health care policies that address the immediate loss of services and support the social networks and economic stability that rural communities rely on in the absence of local health care facilities. This research contributes insights for policymakers, health care providers, and community leaders working to support rural communities facing similar health care losses.
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