06/03/2026
We’re grateful to see this important conversation getting attention. Independent pharmacies like ours are fighting to survive in a healthcare system that often favors large corporations over local patient care. Thank you to our community for your support it truly matters and helps keep personalized, hometown healthcare alive.
Earlier this month, owners of the 12 independent pharmacies in the state held a press conference to focus public attention on legislation and lawsuits designed to thwart what they claim are monopolistic and predatory practices from pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens.
At least one independent pharmacist is not optimistic about the situation. Matthew Olivier, owner of Matt’s Local Pharmacy near the Newport city line in Middletown, said the legislative remedies have been pursued for each of the last four years, but the General Assembly has not taken a vote on any of the bills, holding the bills "for further study," when Olivier said the issue is clearly black-and-white.
The numbers of failed independent pharmacies on the island alone tell the story, but this is a nationwide issue.
Get the details in this week's edition.
https://www.newportthisweek.com/articles/fighting-for-survival-independent-pharmacies-vs-monopolistic-giants/
