Philadelphia: Pharmacies Looted Following the Death of George Floyd

Philadelphia is the city where I was educated and worked as a clinician and college pharmacy professor for more than 20 years. The “city of brotherly love” has had its challenging periods throughout history but is reeling after the looting following the death of George Floyd. As I watched the news, I was in disbelief of the carnage and destruction I was witnessing. Family businesses, including pharmacies, were ransacked, looted, and some were burned to the ground. As an educator for many years I was first concerned about the pharmacists, many of them were my students. I feared for their safety and prayed that no one would be harmed during this time.

Philadelphia pharmacy industry was one of the hardest hit with more than a third of the city’s 476 retail stores looted, according to the DEA. As of June 11, 152 pharmacies have opened. Many are still struggling to open. Some will never open. Many businesses were not just looted for specific drugs such as insulin but were mainly targeted for opioids. In addition to drugs, drug safes and computer systems which contain medication audits were also destroyed. However, many independent pharmacy owners were resilient. Nice Pharmacy owner Randall Policare said he does not plan on leaving. His customers depend on him. Although he had a steel reinforced door protecting his store, looters were still able to break through. He decided to add more metal and said, “If they come back they will need a blowtorch.” ¹

Although I provided Philadelphia as an example, many of you have personally experienced this to your pharmacies throughout the country. I am in awe of your dedication to your communities, your perseverance and unwavering commitment to the people you serve.  Thank you for all you do!  You are truly our heroes!

Michael J. Cawley, PharmD, RRT, CPFT, FCCM, has more than 25 years of experience practicing in the areas of medical, surgical, trauma, and burn intensive care as both a critical care clinical pharmacist and registered respiratory therapist.

Reference:

1. WHYY. Philly pharmacists reeling, rebuilding after more than a third were looted. https://whyy.org/articles/philly-pharmacies-reeling-rebuilding-after-more-than-a-third-were-looted/. Accessed June 20, 2020.