HARRISBURG — Pharmacies are disappearing across Pennsylvania, leaving some patients with fewer options and longer journeys to access the medications they need.

A July report from Spotlight PA examined the impact of hundreds of pharmacy closures, explored the debate over who’s to blame, and looked at action taken by state lawmakers. About 30 readers responded, sharing their experiences with the issue. Some described increased travel, longer wait times, and other problems from having to switch pharmacies.

The three maps below show how widespread the problem is in the state and illustrate the areas that have been hardest hit. An additional chart highlights the large role that Rite Aid plays in the state.

Earlier this year, the company announced plans to sell off “substantially all of its assets” as part of bankruptcy proceedings and it has continued to close stores. As of early July, even after closing hundreds of Pennsylvania stores in recent years, Rite Aid was still among the top pharmacy chains in the state based on licensing data.