Sen. Welch Secures $1.4M to Build New Pharmacies in Caledonia County

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Senator Peter Welch has secured $1.4 million in funding to help build new pharmacies in Caledonia County, Vermont. The move comes after multiple pharmacies closed in the Northeast Kingdom region in recent years, leaving only 3 remaining in the entire county. Over 28 Vermont pharmacies have shuttered in the past few years, creating pharmacy deserts in some rural areas.

Why it matters

Access to local pharmacies is a critical healthcare need, especially for elderly and low-income residents in rural areas. The closure of multiple pharmacies in Caledonia County has left residents with limited options, requiring them to travel long distances to fill prescriptions. This funding aims to address these pharmacy deserts and ensure residents have convenient access to essential medications and pharmaceutical services.

The details

Senator Welch secured the $1.4 million in funding to help build new pharmacies in Caledonia County after St. Johnsbury lost its only downtown pharmacy in 2023 and Hardwick lost its only pharmacy in 2024. The funding is intended to support the construction of new pharmacy locations to serve the region.

• St. Johnsbury lost its only downtown pharmacy in 2023.
• Hardwick lost its only pharmacy in 2024.
• Over 28 Vermont pharmacies have closed in the past few years.

What’s next

The funding will be used to support the construction of new pharmacy locations in Caledonia County to serve residents who have been impacted by the closure of local pharmacies.