Lack of Transportation Impacts Healthcare Delivery in United States

Pharmabox, Inc, (www.pharmabox.com), the developer of the world's first automated OTC medicine store, commented today on an article in The Atlantic, documenting transportation hindrances to healthcare and medicines.

"Research has examined the ways distance can present a problem for people in rural areas, but poorer people in suburban and urban settings can still have trouble with transportation," the magazine reported. "Some households don't have a vehicle, or share one among multiple family members. Low-income neighborhoods are hit particularly hard. And for those who are disabled, obese, or chronically ill, riding the bus or the subway can be a difficult undertaking."

The mission at Pharmabox is to improve delivery of medicines and personal care items to populations that are underserved or have difficulty obtaining access to traditional pharmacies or retail stores.

Pharmabox created an Automated Pharmacy, which carries over 140 items typically found in a Target, Rite-Aid, CVS, or Walgreens store, including cold and allergy medicines, stomach and digestive medicines, men's and women's personal health items, pediatric medicines, and more.

"We are committed to helping those in need by providing easier access to OTC medicines and essential items," said Alejandro Rodriguez, Founder and CEO Pharmabox. "Now, we hope community and business leaders, like Magic Johnson, Howard Schultz,Shawn Carter, John Paul DeJoria, Larry Ellison, Oprah, and Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, will get on board and help bring Pharmabox to neighborhoods in need."

Cynthia Duncan, research director at AGree, reported, "More than 59 million people live in rural America, and nearly 9 million, or 18 percent, are living in poverty. This compares with 12 percent poor in the suburbs and 20 percent in central cities. Whole communities stand broken. Chronically poor rural areas, mostly in the South and on reservations, have much in common with inner-city neighborhoods," she wrote. "Families struggle in these communities, and many of those who could leave did so long ago, leaving remaining residents with even fewer social, economic, and human resources with which to build stronger, resilient communities."

An article in Forbes suggested entrepreneurs should step up and take a more active role as community leaders.

"Entrepreneurs, by definition, are leaders," according to Forbes. "Communities need someone with a vision who can see the potential for improvement in a specific area – whether it is tackling hunger, improving after school programs, or providing assistance for the disabled."

Rodriguez agrees. "As entrepreneurs, we have a responsibility to give back to communities and help others in whatever ways we can."