Chatham Walgreens Closure Sparks Community Outcry: Chicago Leaders Rally for Local Pharmacy Access

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Monday, city officials are slated to address the community regarding the impending closure of another Walgreens store, this time on Chicago’s South Side.

Local community leaders are voicing concerns that this closure is part of a broader trend of corporate withdrawal from the South Side, impacting the area significantly.

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The Walgreens located at 86th Street and Cottage Grove in Chatham is scheduled to shut its doors on June 4, marking yet another loss for the neighborhood.

Residents and community advocates warn that this shutdown will severely limit access to essential pharmacy services for thousands, especially affecting seniors and those with chronic health issues.

This latest closure follows the pattern set last year when Walgreens ceased operations at five other locations in the Bronzeville, Little Village, South Shore, and South Chicago neighborhoods, with a specialty pharmacy on 71st Street also set to close soon.

Sixth Ward Alderman Will Hall released a statement saying, “They extract profit and walk away, knowing full well what it costs this community. When you shut down a pharmacy here, you are cutting off access to medication for seniors and vulnerable residents. This is a life-or-death decision.”

ABC7 has reached out to Walgreens for a statement. Alderman Hall and other community leaders will hold a press conference at 10 a.m.