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Residents, advocates press for action after Scottsville pharmacy closure
Summary
Speakers told the council about a grassroots campaign to restore a community pharmacy in Scottsville after the last local pharmacy closed; presenters urged residents to contact legislators and outlined stalled state pilot funding (House Bill 335) and a proposed $600,000 budget amendment.
A long-running community campaign to restore pharmacy services in Scottsville drew public attention at the council meeting when a presenter described the local impact of the town’s last community pharmacy closing and urged residents to press state lawmakers for help.
"You may already be familiar with the current campaign to get a bond to that in Scottsville," said S3, who described organizing, media outreach and calls to Richmond to support a pilot program aimed at strengthening community pharmacies. The presenter said the pilot (referred to repeatedly as House Bill 335) was tabled after subcommittee members cited funding shortfalls and that a $600,000 budget amendment to fund the pilot “remains in play.”
A local resident described the immediate effect on customers after a corporate chain closed its Rite Aid store, saying, "That was until the Rite Aid closed its doors for good on Thursday," and noting the nearest alternative was in Chester, nearly an hour and a half away. S5 raised concerns about seniors and other residents who rely on in-person pharmacy services for counseling, vaccine access and same-day medication needs.
Justin Vesser (S7), identified in the remarks as representing CCVA, emphasized the broader public-health consequences, citing studies and trends that have left some rural towns without nearby pharmacies. "Rural towns like Scottsville stood to benefit from House Bill 335, a pilot program that will offer grants to strengthen existing community pharmacies or establishment pharmacy deserts," he said, urging neighbors and business owners to consider low- or no‑cost lease models that could attract independent pharmacists.
Council members thanked presenters and asked staff what assistance the town could offer. S2 told the presenter, "On behalf of the town, on behalf of the council... let us know what you need, and we'll see what we can do to supply it." Council discussion was limited to next steps for outreach and coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions and regional health systems.
The presentation noted state-level obstacles: the bill advanced in committee but stalled in subcommittee over funding priorities and fiscal constraints. Presenters said they would pursue alternative partnerships with regional universities and pharmacy training programs while continuing to lobby the General Assembly.
The council did not take formal action on the pharmacy issue at this meeting. Presenters said they will continue outreach to legislators and regional partners and will return with updates if local strategies — such as recruiting an independent operator or enabling telepharmacy options — are developed.
