More than half a million Massachusetts residents already live in communities without easy access to a pharmacy. That number could grow fast—unless we act now.

Kornfield Pharmacy, a family-owned business in Roxbury serving residents for decades, is on the brink of closing. Owner Uche Egesionu left his career as an engineer to keep his late father’s dream alive. Now, he’s using his own personal funds—and even EBT—just to keep the doors open. And he’s not alone.

Since 2019, the number of pharmacies in Massachusetts has dropped by 17%, according to the Health Policy Commission. Insurance companies are reimbursing less than the cost of the medications pharmacies are required to provide. That means every prescription filled could actually lose a local pharmacy money.

If Kornfield Pharmacy closes, this section of Boston becomes a pharmacy desert. Elderly residents, parents of young children, people with disabilities—everyone in the neighborhood—would be forced to travel miles just to fill a prescription.

We’re calling on the Massachusetts Legislature and Governor Maura Healey to:

• Increase Medicaid and insurance reimbursement rates for independent pharmacies
• Create emergency funding to prevent pharmacy closures in underserved areas
• Protect community access to local health care resources like Kornfield Pharmacy

This isn’t just about business—it’s about health. For many, the local pharmacy is the first and most consistent point of care. Losing it would deepen health inequities across Massachusetts.

Sign this petition to save local pharmacies before they vanish—starting with Kornfield Pharmacy in Roxbury.