ST. JOHNSBURY – Senator Welch’s recent announcement of $1,400,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) awarded to Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) for the development of one or two Caledonia County pharmacies came as a surprise to the organization, which had requested the funding for 2024, but wasn’t selected.
“We have long recognized the retail pharmacy desert in Caledonia County and anticipate working in partnership with Northern Counties Health Care, the local Federally Qualified Health Center, to explore renovation and launch of retail pharmacy location(s),” said NVRH Vice-President of Community Health Improvement Diana Gibbs. “Specific sites have not yet been determined, and additional details will be shared as planning moves forward.”
Hardwick has not had a pharmacy for more than a year, since Walgreens closed its temporary story in a trailer on September 30, 2024. The former store on Wolcott Street, had been closed since July 11, 2024, when Lamoille River flood waters rushed in, leaving it wet and muddy. The store never reopened and remains empty.
Hardwick residents must now use mail order pharmacies, or travel to Morrisville, St. Johnsbury, Newport or the Barre/Montpelier area to fill prescriptions.
“We look forward to leveraging this funding to strengthen access to retail pharmacy services for Northeast Kingdom residents,” said Gibbs.
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
