Pharmacies as Community Wellness Hubs: Combatting Loneliness

Loneliness and social isolation have emerged as a significant global health threat, impacting physical and mental health across various generations. In the United States, research published August 1, 2025, indicates that nearly half of adults report feeling lonely, although many do not recognize the condition as a serious health issue.

To address this crisis, pharmacies are evolving from traditional medication dispensaries into community wellness hubs. This transition allows pharmacists to operate as health coaches, community educators and system-level innovators, shifting the focus of care from the treatment of disease to the promotion of overall wellness.

The Role of Social Prescribing in Pharmacy

A key component of this evolution is the implementation of social prescribing, a method used to connect patients with non-clinical supports to improve their health outcomes.

Social prescribing is a holistic approach to healthcare that encompasses connecting people to community activities, groups, and services.

Sneha Baxi Srivastava, PharmD

By utilizing this framework, pharmacists can identify patients suffering from social isolation and refer them to local resources that foster connection. This approach aligns with the principles of lifestyle medicine, which emphasizes wellness promotion as a primary tool for maintaining health.

The Michigan Social Isolation Project

The practical application of this model was demonstrated through the Addressing Social Isolation in Older Adults through Pharmacies project. Funded by a Michigan Health Endowment Fund’s Healthy Aging Grant, the initiative operated from December 2021 to July 2024.

The project aimed to reduce social isolation and loneliness in adults aged 60 and older by educating pharmacists on these issues and providing them with direct access to resources for at-risk individuals. The program focused on pharmacies located in the Michigan counties of Ionia, Macomb, Wayne, and St. Clair.

While the project initially sought to engage 13 pharmacies, eight remained active through the conclusion of the program. These pharmacies conducted a total of 342 screenings, averaging 43 screenings per pharmacy.

Program coordinators encountered early challenges as many older adults declined the screenings, particularly those who felt less isolated following the pandemic. To improve participation, the project distributed 1,173 outreach brochures specifically targeting older adults who received medication deliveries at home. This adjustment led to a 220% increase in the number of screenings conducted.

By the end of the project in July 2024, pharmacists had made 34 referrals for care management and other social services. These referrals connected isolated seniors with providers such as senior centers and Meals on Wheels.

One pharmacist reported a case involving a long-time patient who had become withdrawn and was losing weight. After screening positive for social isolation and loneliness, the patient was referred to the Council on Aging. The patient subsequently joined a dining program and social groups at a senior center, which led to improved eating habits and the formation of new friendships.

Expanding Community Wellness Services

The shift toward becoming community wellness centers extends beyond the management of social isolation. Pharmacies are increasingly integrating a wider array of health and lifestyle services to support their patients.

According to the National Community Pharmacists Association, the top three wellness services currently offered by pharmacies include:

• Diabetes education and management
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Immunizations

Some pharmacists are also advocating for a stronger emphasis on nutritional guidance over pharmacological interventions for minor health complaints. Retired pharmacist Dennis Miller suggested that pharmacists could improve patient health by directing those seeking energy boosts, constipation relief, or vitamin C supplements toward fresh fruits and vegetables rather than vitamins or over-the-counter medications.

This expanded role appears to be well-received within the profession. A 2022 CoverMyMeds Medication Access Report found that 95% of pharmacists rated the act of counseling patients on their medications and conditions as either somewhat fulfilling or very fulfilling.

By combining clinical expertise with social prescribing and wellness coaching, pharmacies are positioned to act as guardians of community wellness, addressing both the biological and social determinants of health.