Walgreens Celebrates its Pharmacists During American Pharmacists Month

DEERFIELD, Ill., October 06, 2011 - Walgreens (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG), the nation’s largest drugstore chain, celebrates its pharmacists and their commitment to communities during American Pharmacists Month this October. Among the most accessible health resources in thousands of communities nationwide, Walgreens pharmacists are well positioned to provide education, support and health care services including screenings for chronic care patients, immunizations and numerous health tests. In their continuously expanding role, pharmacists’ relationships with patients, customers and providers help strengthen the well-being of the communities they serve.

“Our pharmacists demonstrate their dedication to providing high quality pharmacy, health and wellness services through the support and guidance they offer patients every day,” said Kermit Crawford, Walgreens president of pharmacy, health and wellness division. “Among the most accessible health care professionals, our pharmacists are spending more time with patients through consultations, immunizations, medication questions or concerns, health testing and other important services.”

One way Walgreens pharmacists are expanding their role is through immunizations. The company has more than 26,000 certified immunizing pharmacists as part of the nation’s most comprehensive flu shot program other than the federal government. Walgreens pharmacists offer flu shots in every pharmacy, every day and with no appointment necessary.

Another clear example of the impact pharmacists can have was highlighted during health testing events at select stores last December. More than 40 percent of patients receiving cholesterol and blood glucose tests at these locations tested with levels that are considered out of desired range or high.

Over the last few years, Walgreens has launched a number of community education programs targeting diabetes awareness, HIV/AIDS, blood pressure tests and smoking cessation. Pharmacy teams also offer valuable assistance to seniors every year with the Medicare Part D enrollment process. In addition to offering these services in the stores, Walgreens pharmacists are often out in communities conducting school talks, assisting in community health fairs and participating in health and safety outreach efforts. Patients can also chat with a pharmacist online at walgreens.com/pharmacy about store hours, medication details or general health issues.

To help support future pharmacists, Walgreens has donated more than $1 million each year since 2008 to support initiatives dedicated to promoting diversity at accredited pharmacy schools nationwide. Through these donations, students get an opportunity to apply their education by better understanding and serving different communities and needs. Walgreens hopes to encourage more students to consider becoming a health professional on the frontline of care.

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2011 sales of $72 billion. The company operates 7,779 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 6 million customers the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice in communities across America. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with respiratory services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.

Walgreens
Vivika Vergara, (847) 315-2923
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