Bengal Pharmacy Grand Opening Marks Commitment to Community Health
Chubbuck, ID — Idaho State University celebrated the grand opening of Bengal Pharmacy in Chubbuck on September 26th, reaffirming its commitment to the spirit of community pharmacy. The event drew local residents, dignitaries, and healthcare leaders, including President Kevin Satterlee, the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce, and Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England. ISU students were also on hand, offering flu vaccinations as part of the celebration.
In his opening remarks, Dean Tom Wadsworth emphasized that the new pharmacy is more than just a new location—it's a renewed commitment to community pharmacy, which has long been at the heart of healthcare. "This is about maintaining access to personalized, compassionate care for everyone in our community," Wadsworth said. He noted that community pharmacies like Bengal Pharmacy serve as a “front door” to healthcare, particularly in rural areas where access to medical services is limited.
The event also highlighted the challenges community pharmacies face in today’s healthcare landscape, with shrinking profit margins and pressures from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Wadsworth pointed out that independent pharmacies are closing at an alarming rate, a trend that threatens both public health and the vitality of local communities.
Dean Wadsworth emphasized that the new pharmacy is not just another location—it represents ISU’s commitment to supporting community pharmacies, which have long been a cornerstone of healthcare in many rural communities. “This is about renewing the spirit of community pharmacy,” Wadsworth said. "We're here to serve the community, not as a competitor, but as a partner, to convene, test, and share new ideas that will make community pharmacies more sustainable."
The loss of local pharmacies, particularly in rural areas, has had serious consequences for public health. With more than 300 independent pharmacies closing nationwide in 2023 alone, and with 2,200 fewer retail pharmacies today than just four years ago, rural communities are facing significant challenges. "When a local pharmacy closes, patients lose more than just convenience—they lose personal relationships and face-to-face care, which can lead to disruptions in medication management and overall health," Wadsworth added. He stressed that community pharmacies are often the first and sometimes only point of contact with a healthcare professional in rural areas.
Dr. Devon Trone of Medicap Pharmacy and Dr. Cathy Cashmore of Inclusive Care Clinic Pharmacy were honored guests at the event. Both have been strong advocates for independent pharmacy in Idaho, with Dr. Trone praised for restoring pharmacy services in rural areas and Dr. Cashmore for her work expanding patient care services through her clinic pharmacy.
Wadsworth closed by highlighting the expanded services pharmacists can now offer in Idaho, including prescriptive authority and telepharmacy services, which help reach underserved communities. Bengal Pharmacy, with its innovative approach, is poised to play a key role in ensuring access to quality healthcare across the region, particularly in rural areas.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by the Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce, symbolized not just the opening of a new facility but a commitment to the future of community pharmacy in Idaho. The next grand opening for Bengal Pharmacy is set for the McCammon location, further expanding healthcare access in the state.
