ALBANY - Elected officials, community groups and residents will be protesting the planned closure of the Rite Aid in the South End of Albany.

The Rite Aid pharmacy, located at 310 S. Pearl St., is set to close Sept. 19.

The decision to close this store – which is one of the few establishments South End residents can use to buy basic food and household items as well as medications – was made following the recent buyout of Rite Aid stores across the country by Walgreens.

Outrage over the proposed closure began early this week, culminating to the planned protest. It will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday outside the establishment.

“This action by Walgreens is in direct opposition to its stated corporate purpose to ‘champion the health and well-being of every community in America,’” a news release announcing the protest stated Thursday.

The South End is primarily a community of low-income residents, many who are senior citizens and people of color.

The closure of the South Pearl pharmacy would mean those living in the community, who may rely on public transportation, biking, or walking to get to places, would have to travel to the next closest pharmacy, most of which are nearly a mile away uphill.