JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A big announcement from the largest retailer in the US -- all 51 Walmart Health centers are closing.
The centers offered virtual health care services, primary and urgent care, labs, X-rays, behavioral health, and dental work in some locations.
The news is a shock to some customers who rely on Walmart Health for its low cost and convenience.
“It impacts us quite a bit, especially seniors,” Cecilia Lee said. “You know, you gotta go out and find somewhere else to go where it is. We come to Walmart, you can do your shopping. You can do your nails. You can do everything. Right there.”
Walmart said the decision to close its health centers was a difficult one, but ultimately came down to profitability writing, “There is not a sustainable business model for us to continue.”
There are six Walmart Health Centers in our area.
- 10991 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL
- 12100 Lem Turner Rd. Jacksonville, FL
- 7075 Collins Rd. Jacksonville, FL
- 11900 Atlantic Blvd. Jacksonville, FL
- 4250 Philips Hwy. Jacksonville, FL
- 1586 Branan Field Rd. Middleburg, FL
“I hope that they decide that it is going to affect a lot of people in different ways and that they decide maybe to keep it open a little bit longer,” Lee said.
When Walmart opened its health centers in 2019, the company focused on underserved areas with fewer primary care physicians than average.
There are concerns the closures could lead to a gap in healthcare access in the five states with Walmart Health locations.
Health employees will be eligible to transfer to any Walmart or Sam’s Club location and eligible workers will get severance benefits. There are no specific dates for when each center will close, and details will be shared with customers and employees as decisions are made.
The closures will not impact Walmart’s pharmacy and vision services. Pharmacists will still be able to test patients for illnesses like strep throat or COVID-19 and offer immunization services to customers. Walmart’s Vision Centers are also staying fully operational.
Walmart said it will help patients find providers within their insurance network to ensure they continue receiving care.