Hartig Drug on Central in Dubuque to close

An area drug store is set to close one of its Dubuque locations. Hartig Drug will close its pharmacy on Central Ave. effective Dec. 13, according to a news release. The retail space in the store may be open longer, however, to accommodate the sale of available products. Officials tied the closure to declining insurance reimbursements from large pharmacy benefit managers, as well as industrywide employee shortages and increases in operating costs. The release states the company is working with employees, patients and community partners to work through the transition. All staff at the Central Avenue location have been offered new positions within the company, and “nearly all” have accepted. Patient records and prescription services will be accessible at any Hartig Drug, and physical records will be transferred to the Hartig Drug’s location in Asbury Square. All patient questions can be directed to Central Avenue staff.