Governor Hochul partners with CVS to bring temporary mobile pharmacy services back to Pawling residents after devastating fire

Albany, New York – Residents of Pawling have regained access to important pharmacy services after a temporary CVS mobile pharmacy opened in the village following a devastating fire that destroyed the community’s local pharmacy earlier this summer.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the partnership with CVS Pharmacy that brought the temporary facility to Pawling, ensuring residents could continue receiving prescription medications, vaccinations, and other essential healthcare services without a long interruption.

The temporary pharmacy was established after a July 4 fire severely damaged and ultimately destroyed the CVS Pharmacy located at 26 East Main Street. The loss of the store created concerns for many residents who depended on the location for daily medications, health advice, and convenient access to pharmacy care close to home.

Following the fire, Governor Hochul’s administration worked with CVS officials and local leaders to quickly develop a solution. The mobile pharmacy was placed in the parking lot of the former CVS location, allowing the company to continue serving customers in the same community while plans for a permanent replacement are being developed.

“When access to healthcare was at risk, we did not wait — we jumped into action to ensure that residents of Pawling could still access the medications and services they rely on,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m grateful to CVS for their quick and bold partnership working with us to restore pharmacy services so that Pawling residents could still receive medications, vaccinations and resources to maintain their health and wellbeing.”

The opening of the mobile pharmacy means residents no longer need to travel outside the village for many routine pharmacy needs. The temporary location provides prescription services, over-the-counter medications, and recommended vaccinations while CVS continues discussions with community officials about establishing a permanent pharmacy location.

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New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald praised the quick response from state officials and CVS, saying restoring pharmacy access was critical for the Pawling community.

“I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership in making sure New Yorkers have access to the care they need. I’m grateful to CVS Pharmacy for quickly restoring essential pharmacy services for Pawling residents after the July 4 fire. This mobile pharmacy will help ensure the community can continue accessing medications, vaccinations and other important health resources close to home.”

Officials said the temporary pharmacy is designed to provide continuity of care for residents who rely on regular prescriptions and healthcare services. The move also helps reduce the impact of the fire on older residents and others who may face challenges traveling longer distances to reach another pharmacy.

New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said multiple agencies worked together to help bring pharmacy services back to the community as quickly as possible.

“NYSED worked diligently to collaborate with CVS, Governor Hochul, and DOH to help restore pharmacy services to the Pawling community after tragedy struck. We are proud to have been able to accomplish this as expeditiously as possible while ensuring customers still had access to the quality of care expected in all pharmacies across New York State.”

CVS officials also thanked state and local partners for helping create a temporary solution while the company works toward a long-term plan.

Division Vice President of CVS Pharmacy Evan Miller said, “We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from state and local officials, including Governor Hochul’s Office, the Dutchess County Executive’s Office and the Pawling Mayor’s Office, as well as our customers and patients, during this challenging time. Most importantly, we’re pleased to once again provide pharmacy care and services to the Pawling community while we work toward a permanent location.”

The effort also received support from Dutchess County leaders, who said having a nearby pharmacy is an important part of maintaining community health.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Access to a local pharmacy is essential for the health and well-being of our residents. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul, CVS, and our local partners for working together to quickly restore these critical services for the Pawling community. This temporary mobile pharmacy will ensure residents continue to have access to the medications, vaccinations, and care they rely on while a permanent location is established.”

Pawling Mayor Lauri Taylor said the former CVS location served as more than just a pharmacy because many residents relied on being able to walk to the store.

“Our local CVS was an important hub in this community that allowed our residents the ability to walk to the facility. That’s why I worked so hard to secure temporary assistance until a permanent facility can be rebuilt. I’m so thankful that CVS wants to remain in the Village of Pawling. I would like to thank all the elected officials who assisted the village in securing this, including Governor Hochul and County Executive Sue Serino. It really does take a ‘village’ to accomplish great things.”

The temporary mobile pharmacy is operating with regular business hours to make services available throughout the week. The pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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Before the mobile pharmacy opened, residents continued receiving services through nearby CVS Pharmacy locations after the fire-damaged building was demolished. CVS also provided additional support by waiving home delivery fees for eligible prescriptions during the transition period.

Employees who worked at the destroyed East Main Street store have also been reassigned either to the mobile pharmacy or to nearby CVS locations, allowing the company to maintain pharmacy services while continuing work toward a permanent facility.

State and local officials said the temporary pharmacy represents a short-term solution, but the goal remains restoring a permanent CVS presence in Pawling. Until that happens, residents will continue to have access to medications, vaccinations, and other healthcare resources through the mobile location.