NACDS remains engaged in response to disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico. At the request of federal partners, NACDS solicited member feedback on Puerto Rico response efforts and the need for federal assistance and reported back to the agencies.
NACDS continues to collaborate with stakeholders, including Healthcare Ready and the Department of Health and Human Services, to ensure patient access to medicines during an emergency.
NACDS member companies operate 268 stores in Puerto Rico. Companies are working to assess the damage and reopen pharmacies as soon as possible, but the process has been hampered by power outages, port closures and extremely limited communications capability. Walgreens has reopened about half of its 120 locations in Puerto Rico on a limited basis. Walmart says it has a handful of its 48 stores and Sam’s Clubs open. CVS is updating a list of open stores in Puerto Rico on the company’s website. Costco has four stores in Puerto Rico, which were closed for five days. All the stores have since reopened. Costco reportedly has essentials, such as bottled water, flashlights, canned goods and milk.
