New data shows more Ohio pharmacy closures in 2024 than originally reported

Revised data from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy shows even more pharmacies have closed than originally reported (Source: “New data show Ohio pharmacy closures in 2024 were even worse than originally reported,” Ohio Capital Journal via Canton Repository, May 23).
 
Earlier this year, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy unveiled a new data tool showing that the number of pharmacies in the state has dropped below 2,000 for the first time in memory. Revised data released May 22 show the situation is even worse than that.
 
While 191 closings were originally reported for 2024, the pharmacy board revised that number to 215, a 13% increase. 

“This included 19 independent, 14 small chain (2-11 stores), and 182 large chain pharmacies (12+ stores),” the board said in a written statement. “Board of Pharmacy licensing data also shows 35 closings in 2025, including five hospital outpatient, 17 independent, six small chain, and seven large chain pharmacies. Further, revised figures show the number of retail pharmacies declining in Ohio from a high of 2,218 in 2015 to 1,799 in 2024, a reduction of 19%.”
 
The loss of isolated pharmacies creates deserts, and they’re growing. In Meigs County in Southeastern Ohio, for example, nearly 40% of the census tracts are part of what the pharmacy board terms pharmacy deserts.
 
“Pharmacies are essential for maintaining the health and safety of our citizens,” Ohio Board of Pharmacy Executive Director Steven W. Schierholt said in a written statement. “We hope that this data can provide much needed insight to improve access to pharmacy services throughout Ohio.”