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PARSONS -- Although the Walgreens store and pharmacy in Parsons closed its doors for good Thursday, officials announced that pharmacy customers will be able to receive free, same-day delivery for the next three months.
Parsons Mayor Bruce Kolsun, who has been talking with company officials since it was announced in
November that the Parsons store and pharmacy would close on Dec. 14, said the delivery service will be a good thing for the Parsons area.
"They said they will do a needs assessment after 90 days," Kolsun told The Inter-Mountain Thursday afternoon. "But the 90 days will get people through the winter, which is very important."
Kolsun said Walgreens has been in contact with him and other government officials in recent weeks, trying to work out a plan for the store's pharmacy customers, "and they were able to get it all figured out by today."
The mayor said existing Parsons Walgreens pharmacy customers will be able to call in their prescriptions and receive free, same-day delivery, or they can choose mail delivery.
"It's important, when they call in their prescriptions, to say 'resident of Parsons,' in order to be part of this 90-day delivery program," he said.
Walgreens is the second-largest retail pharmacy company. Company officials said in 2019 it would close 200 stores, and in June announced an additional 150 store closures in the United States.
Kolsun said he was told that several of the Parsons store employees will now be working at the Elkins Walgreens.
"It's sad to see the store closing," Kolsun said. "They're taking the drugs out of the store today. They're bringing over U-Haul trucks to move things from the store."
However, the mayor was glad Parsons-area residents have an option for their prescription needs, at least for 90 days.
"This is good news for people who were very upset that the pharmacy was closing," he said. "We just want to get the word out and let everyone know about it."
Gov. Jim Justice sent a letter to the Walgreens corporation in an effort to keep the Parsons pharmacy open, and released the letter to the public.
"Understanding the integral role that Walgreens plays in providing essential services to the residents of Parsons and the surrounding communities, I respectfully urge you to reconsider the
decision to close the Parsons location," Justice wrote. "Preserving access to pharmaceuticals, especially for vulnerable populations, is crucial, and maintaining a national chain pharmacy in this area would
significantly alleviate the hardships that closure would impose.
"I kindly request your prompt attention and consideration of this matter. Your support in finding a
solution that ensures continued access to essential services for the residents of Parsons and the
surrounding regions would be immensely appreciated," Justice wrote.