LEWES, Del. — As Rite Aid continues to shutter dozens of stores across Delaware amid its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, Beebe Healthcare is preparing to assume the lease of the pharmacy building adjacent to its Lewes campus.
"Beebe Healthcare was set to take over the building lease in March 2026," the organization said in a statement. "With Rite Aid currently in bankruptcy, we are exploring options for what can be done prior to next year. There are not set plans on how the space will be utilized. With the absence that Rite Aid leaves in Lewes, Beebe Cape Pharmacy has been accepting new patients to ensure that our community is provided with the prescriptions they need to maintain their health and wellbeing.”
The accelerated closing comes amid broader changes in Delaware’s pharmacy landscape, resulted in part by Senate Bill 180, signed into law by Governor Matt Meyer on June 30. The legislation updates Chapter 25, Title 24 of the Delaware Code, expanding the Board of Pharmacy's authority particularly to adapt during emergencies and to allow out-of-state licensed pharmacists to practice temporarily in Delaware. The move aims to ensure uninterrupted medication access, especially following the closure of 29 Rite Aid locations across the state.
Beebe has not disclosed specific plans for the former Rite Aid space, but says it will evaluate optimal uses to support community pharmacy access. Meanwhile, its Cape Pharmacy location continues to onboard new patients to fill the void.