Congresswoman Pressley Condemns Walgreens for Closures, Accuses Company of Racial and Economic Discrimination

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Pressley slams Walgreens closures: ‘Racial and economic discrimination’

Democratic congresswoman Ayanna Pressley is accusing major pharmacy chain Walgreens of engaging in racial and economic discrimination through recent store closures. Pressley, who represents a district in Massachusetts, raised her concerns during a press conference on Thursday.

Disparities in closures

Speaking at the event, Pressley pointed to the disproportionately high number of store closures in predominantly low-income communities and communities of color. She emphasized that these closures would disproportionately impact those who rely on Walgreens for their pharmacy and healthcare needs.

Targeting vulnerable communities

Pressley argued that these closures exacerbate existing healthcare disparities, particularly for marginalized communities. She pointed out that many of these communities already face limited access to quality healthcare, and the closure of Walgreens stores would further limit their options.

Lack of consideration

Expressing her frustration, Pressley criticized Walgreens for not adequately considering the needs of vulnerable communities before making these closure decisions. She asserted that instead of addressing the root causes of healthcare disparities, the company appears to be perpetuating them through its closures.

Economic impact

In addition to the impact on healthcare access, Pressley expressed concern about the economic consequences of Walgreens closures. She highlighted that these closures would result in job losses, particularly for those who already face high unemployment rates within these communities.

Call for action

Pressley ended her statement by urging Walgreens to reconsider its closure decisions and engage in a more inclusive and equitable approach. She called on the company to work with community leaders to identify alternative solutions, such as relocating or repurposing stores to ensure continued access to vital resources.

Walgreens response

Walgreens, in response to Pressley’s comments, defended their decision to close stores, highlighting the need to adapt to changing consumer behavior and the increasing shift towards online retail. The company stated that they continue to be committed to the communities they serve and are working towards providing accessible healthcare options even in areas with fewer physical store locations.

Further actions

While the rift between Pressley and Walgreens continues, the congresswoman plans to convene community meetings and rally support from other lawmakers to address what she sees as an issue of racial and economic discrimination. She hopes to bring further attention to the complexities of healthcare access and the consequences of corporate decisions on marginalized communities.

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