Pharmabox Inc., the creator of the world’s first automated OTC medicine store, recently commented on the transportation hindrances that affect healthcare and medicines in the U.S.
"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 Atlantic report said. "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 purpose of Pharmabox is to increase the delivery of personal care items as well as medicines to areas that have challenged access to retail stores or traditional pharmacies.
"We are committed to helping those in need by providing easier access to OTC medicines and essential items," Pharmabox Founder and CEO Alejandro Rodriguez said. "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."
Research indicates that among the people living in rural parts of the country, nearly 20 percent are considered to be living in poverty.
“More than 59 million people live in rural America, and nearly nine million, or 18 percent, are living in poverty,” Cynthia Duncan, research director at AGree, said. “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. 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."
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