Walgreens Exec Jason Cunningham Discusses Store Closures and Vaccination Efforts in San Francisco

The San Francisco County government meeting held on May 13, 2021, focused on the challenges faced by retail pharmacies in the region, particularly CVS and Walgreens. The meeting began with Supervisor Matt Haney acknowledging the importance of these pharmacies in the South of Market and Tenderloin neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for their safe operation and the safety of their employees.

Following this introduction, Walgreens Regional Vice President for California, Jason Cunningham, presented an overview of the company's presence in San Francisco. He highlighted that Walgreens has operated in the city since 1937, currently maintaining 53 locations. Cunningham noted the company's partnerships with local health systems and community groups, particularly in the context of COVID-19 vaccinations. He reported that Walgreens has been instrumental in the city's vaccination efforts, with a significant percentage of adults having received at least one dose.

Cunningham also addressed the changes in Walgreens' footprint over the past five years, revealing that the company has closed 17 locations due to various market conditions, with theft being a primary concern. He acknowledged the difficulties of operating in San Francisco, citing the rising costs of doing business as a contributing factor to these closures.

The meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue between local government and retail leaders about the challenges faced by businesses in the city, particularly in light of the pandemic and its aftermath. The discussions highlighted the need for continued collaboration to ensure the viability of essential services in San Francisco.