Local church buys out local pharmacy, covering St. Louis residents’ co-pays
“How can we buy out, how we can use our money to invest in our families and our future?,’ pastor asks
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) — Major pharmacy chains like Walgreens and CVS are closing their doors permanently in multiple locations across the region, making accessibility a concern. One local pharmacy is pledging security for customers who need to transfer their medications.
“I’m finding out these other pharmacies are closing, and I’m like, oh, that’s a major need,” said Pastor Anthony Riley with Central Baptist Church.
Riley says he identified a problem in the community, and now he’s working to fix it. With the news of multiple CVS and Walgreen’s Pharmacy closings. Pastor Riley is stressing the importance of keeping money in local businesses.
“How can we buy out, how we can use our money to invest in our families and our future? It looks like pharmacies, gas stations, etc., people who are really invested in our community,” said Riley.
The church donated $3,000 to GreaterHealth Pharmacy, It’s what they call a Black Buy Out, allowing people who may not be able to afford their co-pays a chance to get their medicine.
With more chain stores closing, local pharmacy deserts are getting bigger, and for many, pharmacies are more than just where you pick up your prescription.
“We’re the most accessible health provider there is. You’re going to see your doctor once a year, maybe twice, you’re going to see your pharmacist at least once a month, 4 times a year,” said Kenneth Powell Jr.
Chief Pharmacist Kenneth Powell Jr at GreaterHealth Pharmacy on Delmar says the business currently serves about 5,000 people in the area. They’ve seen more foot traffic since the closures. The pharmacy opened its doors on Sunday to welcome the community in, as corporations moved out.
“We do free delivery to the city and county, so if you’re in Florissant, North County, North City, South City, South County, if you’re out West, we can come to you. We don’t have to occupy space on every corner and then pull out of the city because we’re going to deliver everywhere our patients are,” said Powell Jr.
The next pharmacy closure in the area will happen on April 21. It’s the Walgreens on McCausland Ave.
Copyright 2025 KMOV. All rights reserved.
