UC Irvine Publishes First Study of “Pharmacy Deserts”
Researchers at the UC Irvine conducted the first study to examine the presence of “pharmacy deserts” in California. Black, Latino, and low-income communities have historically been more likely to be classified as pharmacy deserts, or communities with limited access to pharmacies. The study focused on the social factors that worsen the impact of a pharmacy shortage and found that areas with less pharmacy access had denser populations, large numbers of Latino and Black residents, less vehicle ownership, and higher crime and poverty rates. Researchers also noted that these communities are the ones most impacted by COVID-19.