Discount Drug Mart Issues Statement After Ashland Location Closed for Severe Rodent Infestation
ASHLAND – Discount Drug Mart on Claremont Avenue remains closed following action by the Ashland County Board of Health, which on Tuesday declared a severe rodent infestation an “imminent health hazard.”
The closure affects the main retail store, though the pharmacy drive-through was cleared to reopen Wednesday.
In a press release, Discount Drug Mart confirmed they are working directly with health officials to remedy the situation.
“Discount Drug Mart is working with the Ashland Board of Health to resolve a pest control issue at our Claremont Avenue location,” the statement read. “The health department has temporarily closed the store while we implement comprehensive remediation measures. Our drive-through pharmacy remains open to serve customers’ prescription needs during this time. We take these matters seriously and are moving quickly to address the situation. Professional pest control specialists have been engaged, and we are conducting a thorough cleaning and sanitization of the facility. Our Ashland store has served the community for over 30 years. We are committed to meeting all health department requirements before reopening and appreciate our customers’ patience during this process.”
On Wednesday morning, employees at the Claremont Avenue store could be seen disposing of shopping baskets filled with food-related items into a large dumpster outside, part of the required cleanup effort following the closure.
The Ashland County Health Department (ACHD) confirmed in its own release that while the pharmacy drive-through was deemed safe to operate, the remainder of the store remains closed until the infestation is fully addressed.
“The Ashland County Health Department (ACHD) has cleared the Ashland, Ohio Discount DrugMart Pharmacy drive thru to reopen as of September 10, 2025,” the statement said. “The Discount DrugMart building remains closed until Environmental Health Specialists from ACHD confirm the building’s unsanitary conditions are no longer a threat to the public’s health.”
Health officials emphasized that the emergency order was necessary for public safety.
“Emergency orders are issued when conditions create an imminent health hazard,” ACHD explained. “On Wednesday, ACHD officials were escorted around the pharmacy to confirm there was no evidence of rodents in the pharmacy area. Discount DrugMart pharmacy personnel will follow appropriate safety precautions as they walk through the building to the pharmacy area.”
Officials also clarified that the infestation was limited to Discount Drug Mart.
“There was no evidence of rodent infestation at Miller’s (Hawkins) Market, which is located next to Discount DrugMart, at the time of ACHD’s inspection on Tuesday,” the release stated.
Miller’s-Hawkins Market also issued its own reassurance to customers.
“The health and safety of our customers and employees is our number one priority,” the market said in a brief statement.
The health department will continue working with Discount Drug Mart until the Claremont Avenue location is safe to reopen to the public.
