Rural Community Pharmacies’ Preparedness for and Response to COVID-19

The authors of this article conducted an online survey of rural community pharmacists to assess their preparedness level for responding to COVID-19. Results were evaluated from 62 pharmacists who completed the survey and indicated that 78% were interested in offering COVID-19 testing, but they needed personal protective equipment and training in order to do so effectively. In addition, only 10% of participants had received prior disaster preparedness training in the past five years. Study results also found that although 73% had disaster preparedness plans, 27% were deemed inadequate for the pandemic. Almost 70% experienced supply shortages.