Pharmacy deserts and COVID-19 risk at the census tract level in the State of Washington.

ABSTRACT: Community pharmacies are a crucial component of healthcare infrastructure, including for COVID-19 pandemic prevention services like testing and vaccination. Communities that are "pharmacy deserts," experience healthcare inequities. However, little research has characterized where these communities are, making it difficult for local leaders to prioritize resources for them. This study identifies pharmacy deserts at the census tract level in Washington state for the first time and explores their association with COVID-19 risk. Out of 1,441 tracts, 127 were pharmacy deserts, comprising approximately 454,000 adults, or 8% of the state's adult population. Among those tracts identified as pharmacy deserts, 67% were considered high risk for COVID-19. Solutions are needed to expand equitable acces

SUBMITTER: Wittenauer R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9574851 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature