Hello my name is Jada! I’m currently a pharmacy technician and have been for over a year. 

     Within the last couple of weeks, my job has become very scary. We’ve received a major increase in hours (even though we just had them recently cut), countless numbers of prescriptions to fill, and an endless line in both pickup and drive thru. Now with the fear of being quarantined, I completely understand why everyone is rushing to the pharmacy. But what I really fear overall is everyone’s health. 

     It has become clear that companies have not been doing much to protect employees unless someone gets sick. But by that time it will be too late.

     We need action now! We need corporate to step in and make a change. Fast food places have already moved to drive thru so why can’t pharmacies? The amount of people allowed inside of the store at one time is bound to lead to a spread of this virus. Most of our customers that come in are already sick and if they catch this virus it could be very fatal for them. We also assist non pharmacy customers who want to avoid the long lines at the front of the store. They are at risk as well. 

      And for the locations that don’t have drive thru we NEED to work out another way because this is harmful for them as well. Maybe allow a specific number of people to come in at a time. Or work with insurance companies to move eligible prescriptions to 90 days? Just anything that can help. 

     We also need to be provided with cleaning supplies and hazard pay! We haven’t been given masks, wipes, gloves, or anything that could potentially help. And for us to be working in the conditions that we’re in, we would feel more valued and respected if we were at least getting more compensation for all of the hard work that we do. Target’s employees have fought for the same thing and won. Why can’t we? Plus no one has even discussed with us a plan on how we’re going to combat this. I feel as if no one cares. 

     I urge Larry Merlo to please think of others. We’re at a point where action needs to be taken. We need to take a look at Italy and realize that we have to prevent this now. I‘m scared that nothing is going to be done until the very last minute where this situation gets extremely out of control. This is a very serious situation. Please put people before profit. I do not want to become a carrier and spread to those around me. I also don’t want any others around me to either. Act on this before it gets worse!