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Council proposes Pharmacy Stabilization and Access Fund to shore up neighborhood pharmacies
Summary
Councilor Culpeper introduced an ordinance to create a targeted fund aimed at stabilizing small, community-based pharmacies in neighborhoods labeled 'pharmacy deserts'; sponsors said the fund excludes large-chain pharmacies and will be referred to Government Operations for consideration.
Councilor Culpeper introduced an ordinance (Docket 0692) proposing a Pharmacy Stabilization and Access Fund to preserve and expand independent and community-based pharmacies in Boston neighborhoods. Sponsors said local pharmacies provide critical services—medication access, vaccinations and care navigation—and that closures disproportionately harm seniors, people without reliable transportation and historically underserved neighborhoods.
Culpeper said the ordinance is not intended as a handout to national chains and that eligibility language excludes pharmacies above a certain size. Councilor Louijeune and Councilor Mejia added their support, describing pharmacy loss as a structural problem that requires creative public investment, partnerships with hospitals or anchor institutions and targeted support for neighborhood drugstores.
The measure will be referred to the Committee on Government Operations for further drafting and public hearing. Councilors noted there are more than 41 pharmacy closures since 2018 and stressed a need for models that support community-rooted operators, nonprofits and independent owners rather than national chains.
What’s next: The ordinance will be reviewed and refined in committee, including eligibility criteria, funding sources and implementation details.
