Chicago Voices Unite: Community Leaders Rally Against Chatham Walgreens Closure

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Monday, city officials are anticipated to discuss the impending closure of another Walgreens store on Chicago’s South Side.

Local community leaders have voiced concerns, highlighting that the planned shutdown of this Walgreens is part of a broader trend of corporate withdrawal affecting the area.

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The Walgreens located at the intersection of 86th Street and Cottage Grove in Chatham is slated to cease operations on June 4.

Advocates for the community warn that this closure could severely impact thousands of residents, especially seniors and those dealing with chronic health issues, by limiting their access to essential pharmacy services.

This latest closure follows the shuttering of five Walgreens locations last year in the Bronzeville, Little Village, South Shore, and South Chicago neighborhoods, as well as an upcoming closure of a specialty pharmacy on 71st Street.

In a statement, Sixth Ward Alderman Will Hall expressed his concerns, stating, “They extract profit and walk away, fully aware of the consequences for this community. Closing a pharmacy here means cutting off crucial medication access for seniors and vulnerable residents. It’s a matter of life and death.”

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