Tag Archives: Walgreens

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Walgreens granted with URAC accreditation in Specialty Pharmacy

The designation demonstrates the highest level of commitment to quality healthcare

Deerfield, Ill., 2018-Mar-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens has earned URAC accreditation in Specialty Pharmacy at select Walgreens community-based specialty pharmacy sites across the United States. URAC is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality through accreditation, certification and measurement. By achieving this status, Walgreens has demonstrated a comprehensive commitment to quality care, improved processes and better patient outcomes.

“We are honored to have been granted this prestigious and respected accreditation from URAC in communities from Honolulu and Sacramento to Wilmington, Boston, and New York, and other markets in between, covering a majority of the nation,” said Rina Shah, PharmD, vice president of pharmacy operations, Walgreens. “Receiving accreditation from URAC, the independent not-for-profit leader in healthcare quality, is a true symbol of excellence in specialty pharmacy.”

For a list of Walgreens specialty pharmacy locations that have been accredited by URAC for Specialty Pharmacy, please visit www.urac.org.

“It’s necessary for specialty pharmacies to provide a higher level of treatment for patients so desired outcomes are achieved,” said URAC President and CEO Kylanne Green. “Walgreens shows a dedication to patient education and safety through the recognition of quality it received with URAC’s independent accreditation. With URAC accreditation, people know that Walgreens strives to adhere to industry best practices.”

Walgreens community-based specialty sites on hospital campuses and in communities throughout the country are unique to the industry and offer unparalleled access to medications and personalized service.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (walgreens.com), a provider of trusted care in communities since 1901, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,100 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

About URAC
Founded in 1990, URAC is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality through accreditation, certification and measurement. URAC is a nonprofit organization developing evidence-based measures and standards through inclusive engagement with a range of stakeholders committed to improving the quality of healthcare. Our portfolio of accreditation and certification programs span the healthcare industry, addressing healthcare management, healthcare operations, health plans, pharmacies, telehealth providers, physician practices, and more. URAC accreditation is a symbol of excellence for organizations to showcase their validated commitment to quality and accountability.

Contact(s):
Scott Goldberg
Walgreens
(847) 315-7649

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens partners with YouTube influencer Judy Travis to create a signature cosmetic bag line

Walgreens partners with YouTube influencer Judy Travis to create a signature cosmetic bag line

 

Influencer Creates Custom Cosmetic Bags with Walgreens

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2018-Mar-05 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens is collaborating with beauty enthusiast and YouTube influencer Judy Travis to create a signature cosmetic bag line. Known for her popular YouTube channel, “ItsJudyTime,” Travis is extending her personal brand to a new line of six cosmetic bags available at Walgreens, retailing from $12.99 to $29.99.

“This is a project we’ve been working on for over a year now and I’m excited to see the collection available at Walgreens,” said Travis. “Some of the designs are inspired by my Filipino roots, incorporating the smooth bamboo and the national flower, the Sampaguita (aka white jasmine). The other designs are timeless with a hint of my favorite metal, gold! I hope you enjoy this collection as much as I enjoyed designing them!”

Travis tapped into her signature taste while designing the cosmetic bags, featuring spring colors such as navy and pink, and classic floral and marble patterns, among others.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Judy,” said Lauren Brindley, group vice president and general merchandise manager, Walgreens. “Between her loyal fan base and classic style, we are thrilled to carry these exclusive designs at Walgreens and this collaboration is just another example of how Walgreens continues to deliver new and exciting brands to give our beauty customers more reasons to shop our store.”

The six cosmetic bags will be available in select stores beginning at the end of February 2018 and can be purchased at www.walgreens.com.

Walgreens beauty offers products such as makeup, skincare, fragrances, hair care, professional hair tools, nail and more. The company also offers Beauty Enthusiast, a beauty club within its Balance® Rewards loyalty program, which provides cardholders who register for Beauty Enthusiast with additional rewards on beauty and personal care items, as well as other benefits. Signup is free, and Beauty Enthusiast members will receive 5,000 Balance Rewards points for every $50 spent on cosmetics, skincare, haircare, oral care, grooming, sun care, fragrance and bath product purchases*. Beauty Enthusiast members will have opportunities to receive free samples and will get exclusive promotions and coupons, as well as special beauty offers, new product information and expert tips throughout the year. For more about Walgreens beauty, please visit www.walgreens.com/beauty.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (walgreens.com), a provider of trusted care in communities since 1901, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,100 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

* Every qualifying purchase adds up to the $50 spend requirement. A qualifying beauty purchase includes products from the following categories: fragrances, cosmetics, skin care, hair care, oral care and grooming products. Excludes prescriptions, baby hair care, baby skin care and baby oral care products. The qualifying beauty spend total is calculated before taxes and after discounts, redemption dollars and store credit have been applied. Complete details at walgreens.com/beautyenthusiast.

Contact(s):

Walgreens
Emily Hartwig-Mekstan
847-315-3316
emily.hartwig@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens Connected Care® Oncology Program receives U.S. patent

Proprietary technology enables and helps guide specialty pharmacist interactions with patients prescribed oral oncology medications

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2018-Jan-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens has received a U.S. patent for new proprietary technology that its Walgreens community specialty pharmacists and AllianceRx Walgreens Prime’s specialty pharmacists will use to facilitate communication with and counseling of patients prescribed oral oncology medicines. Through Walgreens Connected Care® Oncology, an evidence-based, patient-centered process focused on driving medication adherence and improving patient outcomes, this newly patented technology helps guide interactions with patients, helping them stay on their treatment and manage any possible side effects.

Historically, chemotherapy and other cancer medicines have been administered under the direct supervision of a medical professional in an outpatient clinic or in-patient hospital. However, more recently medical science has created oral cancer medicines called oncolytics that patients can take from the comfort of their home. While oncolytics offer convenience, they are still powerful medicines designed to treat cancer in accordance with complex treatment plans that are critical to patient outcomes.

“As more and more cancer patients are self-administering oral oncolytic medications without medical supervision, there is no way for providers to know if the patient is taking the medication as prescribed or what side effects they may be experiencing,” said Rick Miller, senior director, specialty clinical services at AllianceRx Walgreens Prime and one of the patent developers. “This is where our interaction guiding system, coupled with pharmacy experts, becomes extremely valuable as it drives communication with our patients, and allows our pharmacists to gather important information about their treatment.”

The patented technology arms Walgreens and AllianceRx Walgreens Prime specialty pharmacy teams with a set of questions and informational scripts to guide conversations with Connected Care Oncology patients. Branching logic within the technology adapts the set of questions and informational scripts in real time. Each patient interaction is customized to focus on patient specific variables – including prescribed medication, adverse events and adherence – and provides the proper support to the patient based on their current situation. Walgreens and AllianceRx Walgreens Prime captures the data and provides it to the patient’s oncologist for informational purposes and continuity of care.

“Oral oncology is a growing area of cancer care, one that requires appropriate patient management and support to maximize the best potential outcomes and make our patients lives easier,” said Matt Farber, senior director, patient care and advocacy at Walgreens. “The complexity of managing patients on oral oncolytics led us to develop this technology, that when coupled with pharmacists’ clinical expertise, helps us to deliver the best care to our patients as they go through their cancer treatment. We are honored to be awarded this patent as it demonstrates our continued commitment to patient care and innovation.”

About AllianceRx Walgreens Prime

AllianceRx Walgreens Prime delivers maintenance medicines and specialty medicines through its mail service and central specialty pharmacies. Formed in 2017 through a strategic alliance between Walgreens, one of the nation’s largest chain drug stores, and Prime Therapeutics, a leading pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), the company offers tools and resources to help patients improve medication adherence, 24/7 pharmacy support for exceptional care. The company is headquartered in Orlando, Fla. and its pharmacies are accredited by several national pharmacy accreditation services. Visit www.alliancerxwp.com for more information.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (walgreens.com), a provider of trusted care in communities since 1901, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,100 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contact(s):
Walgreens
Scott Goldberg
(847) 315-7649
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to meet customers’ last-minute shopping needs

Select Walgreens stores open until midnight or even 24 hours to meet last-minute shopping needs

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Dec-20 — /EPR Retail News/ — Have you run out of wrapping paper and tape? Forgot batteries for the new toy under the tree? Checked the list twice, and still missing something? Walgreens, a provider of trusted care in communities since 1901, is making it easy to find last-minute gifts and essentials this holiday season. And to better serve its customers during the holidays, Walgreens stores will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to help customers be “holiday ready,” with a broad selection of quality last-minute gifts and needs for any get-together. Customers can also order gifts and products online at Walgreens.com by Dec. 20 to guarantee delivery in time for the holiday.

“Even during the most wonderful time of the year, it may be difficult to remember everyone on our list. With an elevated product assortment, including many gifts under $20, Walgreens looks to make it easy to be holiday ready, especially when it comes to finding gifts last-minute,” said Heather Hughes, head of seasonal merchandising for Walgreens. “Whether it’s a beauty gift set, cozy pair of slippers with a box of candy for a party host, or a last-minute gift card that’s sure to bring joy, we are standing by to help customers find the perfect gift that will delight this holiday season.”

Customers in need of help to find a gift to spread joy can visit www.walgreens.com/holiday. Some of the season’s popular items include:

Gifts for Her

  • Soap & Glory Pink Big Gift
  • Sleek MakeUP Hella Good Eyes Gift Set
  • Wet n Wild Mistletoe Lip Collection
  • Soap & Glory Box of Delights Gift Set
  • Yankee Candle Holiday Gift Set

Gifts for Him

  • No7 Men’s On The Go Set
  • Sharper Image Memory Foam Slippers
  • Hugo Boss No 6 Gift Set for Men
  • Philips Norelco Electric Shavers
  • Crafted Imports Ice Mold Sphere and Glass Set

Gifts for Kids

  • Squishmallow Plush Frog
  • Sharper Image Car Drone with Camera
  • Sharper Image Remote Control Toy Stunt Glider
  • Conair Quick Gems Hair Jewelry
  • Funko POP! Star Wars: Movie Moments Cloud City Duel

Gifts under $20

  • Soap & Glory Pick & Spritz
  • Sleek MakeUP Bring On The Night Gift
  • Russell Stover Champagne Chocolates
  • Me to We 2018 Wall Calendar
  • A Little Something Hand Cream Sampler

Photo Gifts and Cards

  • Photo cards are a personal and convenient way to send warm wishes to friends and family. Cards can be created online, in-store or from the Walgreens mobile app and ready for pick up in as little as an hour.
  • Posters, canvas prints and collage prints are unique ways to share memories. It’s easy for customers to create these photo gifts directly through the Walgreens mobile app, online or from the in-store kiosk. Many photo items are available for same day pick up.

For more holiday gift ideas and special offers, please visit Walgreens online gift guide here.

Pharmacies will also be open at all 24-hour locations for any prescription needs. To find a store location near you, visit Walgreens.com or call 1-800-WALGREENS.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (walgreens.com), a provider of trusted care in communities since 1901, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,100 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contact(s)
Walgreens
Emily Hartwig-Mekstan
847-315-3316
emily.hartwig@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

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NewYork-Presbyterian’s telemedicine services now available through Walgreens digital properties and at self-service kiosks at Duane Reade drugstores

NEW YORK, N.Y. & DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Dec-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — NewYork-Presbyterian and Walgreens are collaborating to bring convenient access to NewYork-Presbyterian’s world-class care through new telemedicine services, now available through Walgreens digital properties and at self-service kiosks at select Duane Reade drugstores in New York.  NewYork-Presbyterian, New York’s No. 1 hospital, is offering the telemedicine services as part of its NYP OnDemand suite of digital health services.

“We are delighted to work with Walgreens to bring NewYork-Presbyterian’s world-class care right to your neighborhood drugstore with this exciting new platform,” said Dr. Steven J. Corwin, president and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian. “Patients can expect to receive focused, one-on-one care from leading physicians, where and when they need it. We believe telemedicine has a critical role to play in expanding access to high-quality care, and we are proud to be at the forefront of digital healthcare delivery.”

The first NewYork-Presbyterian NYP OnDemand kiosk is currently available at the Duane Reade location at 40 Wall Street in Manhattan, with additional locations expected to open in 2018. These kiosks, located in private, secure rooms inside the stores, offer instant examination, diagnosis and treatment of non-life threatening illnesses and injuries through NYP OnDemand Urgent Care. With the touch of a button, patients can reach board-certified Weill Cornell Medicine emergency medicine physicians, who provide exams through a high-definition video-conference connection. At the end of the examination, if the physician writes a prescription, it can be instantly sent to the patient’s preferred pharmacy. Pediatric emergency medicine physicians will also be available to provide care during more limited hours. Physicians from ColumbiaDoctors are expected to participate in early 2018.

“These kiosks provide real-time care for our patients, enabling them to consult Weill Cornell Medicine physicians privately through the convenience of their local drugstores,” said Dr. Augustine M.K. Choi, the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine. “We are proud to work with NewYork-Presbyterian and Walgreens to extend the reach of our doctors beyond their offices, making healthcare accessible to patients across the city.”

“This technology gives us another way to bring Columbia physicians to the neighborhoods where our patients live and work,” said Dr. Lee Goldman, dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine and chief executive of Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “Improving access to doctors is a fundamental way to improve our patients’ health and well-being.”

In addition to the in-store kiosks, Walgreens customers in the New York area using the Walgreens website can access NYP OnDemand Urgent Care to video chat with board-certified emergency medicine doctors.

“We believe that telemedicine can play a critical role in connecting patients with providers,” said Greg Orr, divisional vice president of digital health for Walgreens. “We can now help to bring awareness of services that are offered locally by trusted providers such as NewYork-Presbyterian. We are pleased that NewYork-Presbyterian will be the first local healthcare provider to collaborate with us on our evolving telehealth and digital strategy.”

The kiosk experience is further enhanced with medical devices to provide key information to the physician during the virtual visit. These include a forehead thermometer that measures temperature with a gentle swipe of the forehead, a blood pressure cuff to measure blood pressure and a pulse oximeter that measures the amount of oxygen in the body. A dermascope, which allows the provider to see a high-resolution view of skin conditions, is also available.

“We’ve had much success over the years working with NewYork-Presbyterian at our on-site Walgreens pharmacy,” said Dr. Pat Carroll, chief medical officer for Walgreens Healthcare Clinics. “We value this innovative collaboration and look forward to finding new and different ways to work together to enhance patient care.”

Visit times are expected to take about 10 to 20 minutes but will vary depending on the patient’s individual needs. The urgent care service is designed to care for non-life threatening conditions, illnesses and injuries such as: sore throat, allergies, rash, pink eye, abdominal pain, asthma, cold or the flu, dizziness, fever, and sprains. For a full list of conditions, please refer to: www.nyp.org/ondemand/urgent-care.

The kiosk hours at 40 Wall Street are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Pediatric emergency medicine physicians can be reached from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays.

The video visits are part of NewYork-Presbyterian’s award-winning digital health suite of services, NYP OnDemand. Launched in 2016, NYP OnDemand, in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine and ColumbiaDoctors, is designed to improve access to NewYork-Presbyterian’s world-class care, allowing patients to easily communicate with physicians from a mobile phone, tablet or computer – and now through these kiosks at select Duane Reade locations. To learn more, visit: http://www.nyp.org/ondemand/urgent-care-kiosk

NewYork-Presbyterian

NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the nation’s most comprehensive, integrated academic healthcare delivery systems, whose organizations are dedicated to providing the highest quality, most compassionate care and service to patients in the New York metropolitan area, nationally, and throughout the globe. In collaboration with two renowned medical schools, Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian is consistently recognized as a leader in medical education, groundbreaking research and innovative, patient-centered clinical care.

NewYork-Presbyterian has four major divisions:

  • NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is ranked #1 in the New York metropolitan area by U.S. News and World Report and repeatedly named to the Honor Roll of “America’s Best Hospitals.”
  • NewYork-Presbyterian Regional Hospital Network comprises hospitals and other facilities in the New York metropolitan region.
  • NewYork-Presbyterian Physician Services, which connects medical experts with patients in their communities.
  • NewYork-Presbyterian Community and Population Health, encompassing ambulatory care network sites and community healthcare initiatives, including NewYork Quality Care, the Accountable Care Organization jointly established by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia.

For more information, visit www.nyp.org and find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Walgreens

Walgreens (walgreens.com), a provider of trusted care in communities since 1901, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,100 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Weill Cornell Medicine

Weill Cornell Medicine is committed to excellence in patient care, scientific discovery and the education of future physicians in New York City and around the world. The doctors and scientists of Weill Cornell Medicine — faculty from Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and Weill Cornell Physician Organization—are engaged in world-class clinical care and cutting-edge research that connect patients to the latest treatment innovations and prevention strategies. Located in the heart of the Upper East Side’s scientific corridor, Weill Cornell Medicine’s powerful network of collaborators extends to its parent university Cornell University; to Qatar, where an international campus offers a U.S. medical degree; and to programs in Tanzania, Haiti, Brazil, Austria and Turkey. Weill Cornell Medicine faculty provide comprehensive patient care at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. Weill Cornell Medicine is also affiliated with Houston Methodist. For more information, visit weill.cornell.edu.

Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Columbia University Irving Medical Center provides international leadership in basic, preclinical, and clinical research; medical and health sciences education; and patient care. The medical center trains future leaders and includes the dedicated work of many physicians, scientists, public health professionals, dentists, and nurses at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, the College of Dental Medicine, the School of Nursing, the biomedical departments of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and allied research centers and institutions. Columbia University Medical Center is home to the largest medical research enterprise in New York City and State and one of the largest faculty medical practices in the Northeast. For more information, visit cumc.columbia.edu or columbiadoctors.org.

Media Contacts:

Scott Goldberg, Walgreens
847-315-7649
scott.goldberg@walgreens.com

Jessica Mikulski, NewYork-Presbyterian
212-543-8754
jem9259@nyp.org

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens launches new multifaceted brand positioning and identity

Multifaceted campaign highlights the importance of care, trust and accessibility to Walgreens customers

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Dec-06 — /EPR Retail News/ —Walgreens and its customers have certainly changed since the first Walgreens drugstore opened in 1901, but one constant over that time is Walgreens legacy of care. That’s the foundation of a new, multifaceted brand positioning and identity that launched Sunday and is reflected in the new tagline, Walgreens. Trusted since 1901.

The brand positioning is an effort to emphasize the aspects of Walgreens from the past 116 years that customers truly love. Those attributes – care, trust and accessibility – are the focus of the campaign, which includes new advertising and marketing, and a purpose to champion the health and well-being of every community in America.

“We went deep into Walgreens history to rediscover what makes Walgreens great,” said Alex Gourlay, co-chief operating officer for Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. and president of Walgreens. “It was clear from our research that three strong characteristics define our relationship with our customers, rooted firmly in our history since 1901: care, trust and accessibility. We’ve always cared for our customers’ health and well-being, but how we’ve cared has evolved over time. As consumer behavior continues to change, we will focus on these core attributes to help define the work we do.”

Over the past three years, Walgreens has redefined its commercial offering at every touch point across pharmacy, retail, health care services and consumer services, and the brand campaign signals the start of the next phase of its transformation. Walgreens continues to introduce programs and services addressing customers’ needs through a lens of care, trust and accessibility. Some of the more recent examples include high-touch care provided through Walgreens specialized pharmacies focused on disease states such as oncology, hepatitis and HIV; the addition of trained beauty consultants at approximately 3,000 stores; convenient access to FedEx package pickup and drop-off services at 7,500 stores; the simplification of the product assortment in approximately 1,500 stores to make shopping easier and more.

“Trusted since 1901 reinforces the fundamental truth of the work we do: that behind every prescription and purchase is a person, and behind every person is a unique story,” said Adam Holyk, Walgreens senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “Since the beginning of our company, we have dedicated ourselves to serving the people of our communities, supporting them through their ups and downs, whenever they need us. Straightforward, authentic, warm and reliable, we’re here to help everyone – every day. Beyond a new tagline, we hope to reflect where our brand is headed in the future with new initiatives and services that align to our brand promise: to always to be here to help you feel good.”

Also beginning today, the company is releasing a series of digital vignettes called “Care Stories,” which feature real employees and Walgreens customers. The videos are a snapshot of how Walgreens continues to provide care to its patients.

To view the “Care Stories,” visit http://bit.ly/2noiH5C.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (walgreens.com), a provider of trusted care in communities since 1901, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,100 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contact(s):

Emily Hartwig-Mekstan
847-315-3316
emily.hartwig@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens marks the 12th year of earning a perfect score from the Corporate Equality Index

Company scores 100 percent for the 12th year on Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 16th Annual Scorecard

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Nov-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens received a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. This marks the 12th year Walgreens has earned a perfect score from the CEI index.

“It’s an honor to be acknowledged once again by the Human Rights Campaign for our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce,” said Kendrick Cox, interim chief human resources officer at Walgreens. “We recognize the importance of fostering the growth and development of all our employees. Our Walgreens Pride Alliance business resource group continues to be especially helpful with evolving our policies and practices to help ensure a welcoming workplace for all.”

The 2018 CEI rated 947 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBTQ-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBTQ community.

Walgreens efforts satisfied all of the CEI’s criteria resulting in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality. Walgreens joins the ranks of 609 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year.

For more information on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,100 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contact(s):

Phil Caruso
847-315-2962
philip.caruso@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens offers 20% discount to all veterans and military personnel on Saturday, Nov. 11

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Nov-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — To honor the sacrifices and bravery of Americans who served in the armed forces, Walgreens is offering a Veterans Day 20-percent discount to all veterans and military personnel. On Saturday, Nov. 11, customers with a Walgreens Balance® Rewards card and valid military ID or proof of service will receive 20 percent off regular price eligible store items* at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstore nationwide.

“Serving those who served our country is an honor for all of us at Walgreens and Duane Reade,” said Richard Ashworth, president of operations. “Veterans Day is an opportunity to pay a small symbolic tribute in our stores to the sacrifices made in defense of our country by those in uniform and their families.”

A Balance® Rewards customer loyalty program membership is free and can be obtained at checkout. Family members of veterans and military personnel are also eligible for the discount.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,100 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

*Offer valid for veterans, military personnel and their family members on Nov. 11, 2017, only with Balance® Rewards card and proof of service. In-store offer only valid in Walgreens or Duane Reade stores. Discount valid on regular-price items only. Offer is not combinable with Buy One Get One Free, Buy One Get One 50% Off or Buy 2 Get 3rd Free. Discount not valid on alcohol, dairy, tobacco, stamps, phone/prepaid/gift cards, money orders/transfers, transportation passes, lottery tickets, charitable donations, pseudoephedrine or ephedrine products, clinic services, health tests, prescriptions, pharmacy items or services, sales tax, the Prescription Savings Club membership fee, newspapers, magazines and items or services purchased by prescription and/or submitted to insurance for reimbursement or where otherwise limited by law.

Contact(s):
Walgreens
Jim Graham
847-315-2925
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens rolls out FedEx package pickup and drop-off services to more than 7,500 locations nationwide

MEMPHIS, Tenn., and DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Nov-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and Walgreen Co., one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, are proud to announce today (Nov. 6, 2017) FedEx package pickup and drop-off services are now available at more than 7,500 Walgreens locations in all 50 U.S. states. The milestone comes 10 months after the companies announced a long-term alliance agreement to offer convenient access to FedEx pickup and drop off at thousands of Walgreens locations across the country.

“We are thrilled to have reached this significant milestone for our customers ahead of the holiday season, and we look forward to continuing to work with Walgreens to offer convenient and secure pickup and drop-off services around the country,” said Raj Subramaniam, executive vice president, chief marketing and communications officer, FedEx Corp. “As online shopping grows, our customers are searching for flexible options, and we stand ready to deliver.”

Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of operations, said, “Our offering with FedEx is another way customers will find our stores even more accessible to meet their needs.  It helps our customers by providing a safe and secure delivery option, while making it easy for them to ship returns and other packages through the FedEx networks.”

The Walgreens rollout is part of the nationwide expansion of FedEx OnSite, a network of retail locations offering FedEx pick up and drop off services, including the ability to hold packages for up to five business days. In addition to the more than 7,500 participating Walgreens locations, customers can also find FedEx OnSite in select Albertson’s and Kroger grocery stores. Customers can redirect packages to a FedEx OnSite location or other FedEx hold locations, including more than 1,800 FedEx Office locations, using FedEx Delivery Manager.

“This holiday season, 80 percent of the U.S. population is within nine minutes of a FedEx hold location,” said Subramaniam.

About FedEx Corp.

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $61 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 400,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. To learn more about how FedEx connects people and possibilities around the world, please visit about.fedex.com.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,100 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contacts:
FedEx Corp.
Katie Wassmer
901-434-5593
katie.wassmer@fedex.com

Walgreens
Jim Graham,
847-315-2925
jim.graham@walgreens.com

Source:  Walgreens

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Walgreens is now stocking Narcan® nasal spray as part of its commitment to combat drug abuse

Narcan® Nasal Spray

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Oct-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — As part of its comprehensive national plan to combat drug abuse, Walgreens is now stocking Narcan®, an FDA-approved nasal form of naloxone, in all of its more than 8,000 pharmacies nationwide.

The medication, administered by nasal spray, can be used in the event of an overdose to reverse the effects of opioid drugs, which include some prescription painkillers and heroin.

“By stocking Narcan in all our pharmacies, we are making it easier for families and caregivers to help their loved ones by having it on hand in case it is needed,” said Rick Gates, Walgreens group vice president of pharmacy. “As a pharmacy we are committed to making Narcan more accessible in the communities we serve.”

In addition, Walgreens is adopting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations by educating patients about Narcan when they are dispensed a controlled substance greater than 50 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) and may be at risk of accidental overdose.

“This action is an important milestone and we applaud Walgreens initiatives to improve access to Narcan Nasal Spray in communities across the U.S.,” said Seamus Mulligan, Chief Executive Officer of Adapt Pharma, the manufacturer of Narcan Nasal Spray. “This effort, combined with the opportunity for patients and caregivers to obtain Narcan Nasal Spray without an individual prescription in 45 states, is critical in combating this crisis.”

In an effort to educate the public on use of naloxone, pharmaceutical wholesaler AmerisourceBergen has distributed Narcan demo devices at no cost to Walgreens pharmacists for use in instructing patients on how to administer the medication. Additional instructions include calling 911, as Narcan is not a substitute for medical care. Anyone who is administered the medication should seek immediate medical attention.

“At AmerisourceBergen, we strive to provide our customers the highest quality care and support so they can ultimately enhance the lives of patients in their communities,” said Robert Mauch, Executive Vice President & Group President, Pharmaceutical Distribution & Strategic Global Sourcing for AmerisourceBergen. “We recognize the important role we play in addressing the opioid epidemic, and our collaboration with Walgreens is another key milestone to supply our customers with access to lifesaving initiatives and emergency medications that can help keep individuals safe across the country.”

Last year Walgreens announced an effort to make naloxone available without requiring a prescription in states where regulations allow. The company now offers naloxone without requiring a prescription in 45 states and is eager and willing to work with the remaining states to make naloxone easier to obtain.

Walgreens has also collected more than 155 tons of unwanted medications through its safe medication disposal kiosks in 600 pharmacies across 45 states and Washington D.C. The kiosks allow individuals to safely and conveniently dispose of unwanted prescriptions, including controlled substances and over-the-counter medications, year-round at no cost.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contact(s)

Walgreens
Phil Caruso, 847-315-2936
philip.caruso@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

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Walgreens to bring 300 new positions to its Chicago Sullivan Center to establish a new technology center of excellence

Company to Double Number of Employees in Downtown Chicago Office with 300 Additional Positions

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Oct-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens today (October 17, 2017) announced with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel that it will bring approximately 300 technology positions to its current downtown Chicago office in the Sullivan Center to establish a new technology center of excellence. Through a combination of new hires and relocations from its Deerfield, Ill., support office, Walgreens will double its number of employees working at the Sullivan Center, located at 36 S. Wabash Ave.

Walgreens is currently building out its space in the Sullivan Center to host the new center of excellence, which will host much of the company’s retail pharmacy technology team along with the digital, mobile and e-commerce technology teams that currently work there.

“We are excited to bring more technology jobs to the City of Chicago and establish a technology center of excellence that will focus on delivering state-of-the-art systems to our more than 8,000 drugstores nationwide,” said Alex Gourlay, president of Walgreens. “Chicago is where Walgreens began as a single drugstore in 1901, and expanding our downtown presence will help us retain and attract the best talent to continue developing our digital and technology capabilities.”

Walgreens already employs more than 3,500 people in the City of Chicago, where it operates 136 drugstores.

“Chicago and Walgreens have a long and shared history of innovation and ingenuity,” Mayor Emanuel said. “That history makes Chicago the perfect city for Walgreens to locate 300 jobs and make an investment in its future.”

About Walgreens

Walgreens (walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contact:

Phil Caruso
847-315-2962
philip.caruso@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens partners with Netflix actor Brandon Larracuente to launch “#ItEndsWithUs” campaign to raise awareness on opioid epidemic

Netflix actor Brandon Larracuente to announce campaign at WE Day UN in New York

NEW YORK, 2017-Sep-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (20 September 2017), Walgreens, one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, launches its new campaign “#ItEndsWithUs” to educate teens nationwide on the opioid epidemic. The campaign will be unveiled by actor Brandon Larracuente from Netflix’s popular series “13 Reasons Why” and “Bloodline.” Larracuente, who lost a close friend to the opioid epidemic, will speak to an audience of more than 6,000 youth at the WE Day UN in New York event at Madison Square Garden.

“I have personally been affected by the opioid epidemic. My friend was only 19 when she died and it only took one wrong, risk-taking decision to cost her, her life,” said Larracuente. “I’m honored to work with Walgreens to raise awareness of the issue with my generation and let them know of the resources the company has made available to customers nationwide. This epidemic ends with our generation.”

The #ItEndsWithUs campaign provides teens with resources and positive steps they can take in their community, which are all available at the #ItEndsWithUs hub at www.walgreens.com/itendswithus. Once there, visitors are greeted with a message from Larracuente and a personal testimonial from Francesca Paparone, a young woman who overcame her addiction and is now working with Walgreens to raise awareness. Together, both Paparone and Larracuente will speak to Walgreens safe medication disposal program that began in 2016 in their messages.

The safe medication disposal kiosks allow individuals to safely and conveniently dispose of their unwanted, unused or expired prescriptions, including controlled substances, and over-the-counter medications, year-round at no cost. The kiosks at Walgreens pharmacies are available during regular pharmacy hours and offer one of the best ways to ensure medications are not accidentally used or intentionally misused by someone else. Most people who misuse prescription drugs first obtain them from a family member or friend, often from a home medicine cabinet.

Kiosks are available in more than 600 pharmacies across 45 states and the District of Columbia; that’s more than 100 kiosks above the program’s original goal. In its first year, the program has resulted in the collection and disposal of 72 tons of unwanted medication, or the equivalent weight of about 40 midsize cars.

The #ItEndsWithUs campaign launches at a time when the national opioid crisis has escalated into an epidemic of addiction and overdose. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overdose deaths among 15-to-19-year-olds spiked more than 19 percent between 2014 and 2015. The CDC also found that nearly half of all opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid.

Walgreens will continue to raise awareness around the opioid epidemic at upcoming WE Day events in 2018, with the help of Larracuente engaging teens across the country. For more information about the #ItEndsWithUs campaign and how to get involved, visit www.walgreens.com/itendswithus.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

SOURCE: Walgreens

Contact(s)

Walgreens
Emily Hartwig-Mekstan, 847-315-3316
emily.hartwig@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

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Walgreens donates $200,000 and kicks off customer donation program to American Red Cross for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts

  • Company donates food and medical items to emergency shelter in Houston
  • Walgreens generator provides emergency power to City of Victoria
  • Company donates $200,000 to American Red Cross, while nationwide customer donation program begins Tuesday

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Aug-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens is supporting relief efforts in Southeast Texas through a number of initiatives in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Walgreens is donating food items, first aid and medical equipment including blood pressure cuffs, glucometer strips, catheters and transport wheelchairs to the American Red Cross emergency shelter at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Walgreens is working with United Airlines to transport the first aid and medical items from Chicago to Houston on a flight with relief supplies.

In preparation for Hurricane Harvey, Walgreens staged portable generators throughout southeast Texas and deployed them to a number of stores. Walgreens provided one of those generators to the City of Victoria, Texas to support its city facilities.

“Our hearts go out to the people in Southeast Texas who are going through tremendous personal losses from Hurricane Harvey and the flooding that has followed,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of Pharmacy and Retail Operations. “We stand ready to continue to support our customers and employees who live in the region.”

Walgreens has committed to a $200,000 donation to the American Red Cross relief efforts, and customers also can donate to the American Red Cross at approximately 8,000 Walgreens and Duane Reade locations in the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Customers can make donations for relief efforts at store checkouts beginning today.

More than 300 out of approximately 500 Walgreens stores in southeast Texas and Louisiana are now open. Local Walgreens field leaders and store teams are working to reopen the other stores and restore pharmacy services as soon as possible.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contact(s):
Phil Caruso
847-315-2962
philip.caruso@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens recognized for its Safe Medication Disposal program by The California Product Stewardship Council

SAN DIEGO, 2017-Aug-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — The California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) today ( August 21, 2017) presented Walgreens with the 2017 Infinity Arrow Award for Service and Take Back in recognition for the company’s Safe Medication Disposal program. Walgreens disposal program, launched last year, is the first ongoing national effort of its kind by a retailer to combat the national drug abuse crisis.

The CPSC recognizes California businesses for outstanding leadership, innovation and partnerships in product stewardship and green design. The Infinity Arrow Award for Service and Take Back recognizes a business that has initiated an outstanding Take Back program for one or more products as an additional convenience and service to their customers.

Walgreens installed safe medication disposal kiosks, available during regular pharmacy hours, in more than 600 pharmacies across 45 states and the District of Columbia, including 53 in California. In its first year, the program has resulted in the collection and disposal of 72 tons of unwanted medication, or the equivalent weight of about 40 midsize cars.

“When it comes to tackling societal problems like drug addiction and water pollution, industries have a key role to play – Walgreens has stepped forward to help fill that role when it comes to the problems of unused and unwanted medicines,” said Heidi Sanborn executive director, California Product Stewardship Council. “Their Safe Medication Disposal program is an excellent example of a company being part of the solution.”

Walgreens safe medication disposal kiosks allow individuals to safely and conveniently dispose of their unwanted, unused or expired prescriptions, including controlled substances, and over-the-counter medications, at no cost. The kiosks at Walgreens pharmacies are available during regular pharmacy hours and offer one of the best ways to ensure medications are not accidentally used or intentionally misused by someone else.

“Walgreens is taking an important step to curb the misuse of medications throughout the country. We thank the California Product Stewardship Council for recognizing the importance of providing a convenient take back solution,” said Jason Cunningham, Regional Vice President for Walgreens. “As a pharmacy, we are committed to playing a role in what must be a comprehensive solution to prevent prescription drug and opioid abuse.”

Drug abuse continues to be a public health and safety risk. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 6.4 million Americans misused a prescription drug in 2015.

In addition to offering a year-round solution for individuals to dispose of their medications, Walgreens continues to participate in DEA sponsored National Prescription Drug Take Back Days, serving as a collection point in communities for law enforcement to collect unwanted, unused or expired medications for safe disposal.

About CPSC

California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) educates both the public and private sectors about Product Stewardship and closely partners with business, jurisdictions, waste and recycling companies, manufacturers and others to promote and encourage sustainable practices and to recognize those companies who are taking a leadership role in participating in waste reduction and recycling. For more information, please go to: www.CalPSC.org.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contact(s):
CPSC Contact:
Dan Howells
CPSC Assistant Director
202-306-8966
dan@calpsc.org

Walgreens Contact:
Phil Caruso
Walgreens media relations
847- 315-2962
philip.caruso@walgreens.com

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens launches website that features more than 50 completed Walgreens outcomes studies

Company collaborates with academic institutions, including Johns Hopkins Medicine, Scripps Translational Science Institute, University of California, San Francisco – School of Pharmacy and the University of Chicago Medicine to improve health and wellness in America

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Aug-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens today (15 August 2017) announced the launch of its Center for Health & Wellbeing Research, a website that features more than 50 Walgreens outcomes studies completed over the past six years. Areas of research include access to care and patient experience, adherence and clinical outcomes, digital health and member engagement, health care costs, HIV and specialty pharmacy, vaccinations and more.

Visitors to the site – https://www.walgreens.com/research – will find summaries, links and original documents related to company research reports and studies that have been published in peer-reviewed medical and health care publications, as well as presented at scientific and industry conferences.

“We are thrilled to be unveiling the Walgreens Center for Health & Wellbeing Research,” said Harry Leider, M.D., chief medical officer and group vice president, Walgreens. “Our goal is, through scientific research, to help improve patient care and outcomes while lowering health care costs. We are dedicated to providing value to health care on a national scale and the Walgreens Center for Health & Wellbeing Research will showcase the work we are doing every day to advance that mission.”

Walgreens is working with academic institutions on its research, including Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the Scripps Translational Science Institute, the University of California, San Francisco – School of Pharmacy and the University of Chicago Medicine. The institutions provide guidance, specialized expertise, and industry insights that contribute to the Walgreens outcomes research agenda. Researchers from Walgreens and these institutions actively collaborate on a variety of research studies.

“Walgreens has been a valued partner in a long-standing and productive collaboration, which has given our clinical and research faculty the opportunity to develop, implement and evaluate novel programs to reach patients where they are to improve their access to quality care,” said Jeanne M. Clark, M.D., M.P.H., a professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins medical director for its collaboration with Walgreens. “We are looking forward to continuing our work together.”

The Walgreens Center for Health & Wellbeing Research is led by a team of more than 25 Walgreens health services researchers, clinicians, statisticians, public health practitioners, actuaries and data scientists, including:

  • Harry L. Leider, MD, MBA, FACPE, chief medical officer and group vice president
  • Michael S. Taitel, PhD: senior director of health analytics, research and reporting
  • Heather Kirkham, PhD, MPH: director of health analytics, research and reporting

Recent research from the team includes:

  • A study of pharmacy patients enrolled in Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Medicare Part D), published in Patient Preference & Adherence, which found that patients who were late to refill prescriptions and who received reminder calls from local Walgreens pharmacists, demonstrated nearly 23 percent greater adherence within the first 14 days of the expected refill date.1
  • A study presented at the 22nd Annual International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research Annual International Meeting in Boston, exploring length of therapy and factors associated with HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication adherence, which demonstrated significantly higher adherence among older age groups, males, users of HIV-specialized services and those with private insurance. The study found that patients used PrEP on average for seven to eight months in the first year.2
  • A study from Walgreens and Inovalon which examined the effectiveness of the Walgreens Connected Care Cystic Fibrosis (CF) program compared to a matched sample of control patients. The study found that CF patients have better outcomes when enrolled in a pharmacy-based comprehensive therapy management program. The study was presented at the 30th Annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference in Orlando, Florida.3
  • A collaborative study with the Scripps Translational Science Institute4 published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, which evaluated health data self-tracking characteristics of individuals enrolled in the Walgreens Balance Rewards for healthy choices® (BRhc) program, including the impact of manual versus automatic data entries through a supported device or apps. The study demonstrated that 77 percent of users manually recorded their activities and participated in the program for an average of five weeks. However, users who entered activities automatically using the BRhc supported devices or apps remained engaged four times longer and averaged 20 weeks of participation.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

1 http://news.walgreens.com/press-releases/general-news/walgreens-study-demonstrates-pharmacy-interventions-can-help-improve-adherence-for-medicare-part-d-patients.htm#_ftn1

2 http://news.walgreens.com/press-releases/general-news/walgreens-to-present-research-from-five-clinical-studies-at-international-society-for-pharmacoeconomics-and-outcomes-research-annual-international-meeting.htm

3 https://www.walgreens.com/images/adaptive/pharmacy/healthcenter/b2b/Assessing_the_Impact_of_a_Pharmacy-Based_Therapy_Management_Program_on_Adherence_and_Healthcare_Utilization_in_Cystic_Fibrosis.pdf

4 http://news.walgreens.com/press-releases/new-research-from-walgreens-and-scripps-translational-science-institute-demonstrates-the-value-of-automated-health-tracking.htm

Contact(s):
Scott Goldberg
847-315-7649
scott.goldberg@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens’ Senior Day to offer injury prevention tips and advice on Tuesday, Aug. 1

  • Fall prevention is focus of Senior Day at Walgreens stores nationwide on Tuesday, Aug. 1
  • Falls are leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older, according to CDC Supporting multimedia at news.walgreens.com/presskits/do-not-fall.htm

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Jul-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — To help reduce the risk of injury from slips and falls, and to educate seniors in its communities, Walgreens will offer injury prevention tips and advice when it hosts a Senior Day at its stores nationwide on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Falls are the leading cause of serious and even fatal injuries among adults age 65 and older, and on average more than 1-in-4 older adults suffers from a slip or fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition to encouraging customers to talk to pharmacy staff about fall injury prevention, Walgreens stores will have informational materials available, including a CDC “Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults” identifying ways to make the home safer. Customers who are Walgreens Balance® Rewards members will receive 500 bonus points if they ask a pharmacy staff member about fall injury prevention.* Additionally, members who are age 55 and older or AARP members can receive 20 percent off of eligible, regular-priced merchandise that day.** A Balance® Rewards customer loyalty program membership is free and can be obtained at checkout.

“Falls threaten older Americans’ independence and safety and generate enormous economic and personal costs that affect everyone,” said Debra Houry, M.D., M.P.H., director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. “Together, everyone can reduce the risk of falling and prevent fall injuries.”

Rina Shah, vice president of pharmacy operations for Walgreens, said, “With our Walgreens presence in communities throughout America, and our trusted relationship with customers, we have a great opportunity to help older adults and caregivers make homes and other environments safer and avoid injuries from slips and falls. These injuries are often highly preventable and education is the key to prevention.”

Many factors associated with aging can elevate the risk of falling, a risk that continues to increase with age, according to the CDC’s STEADI program, Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries. These include:

  • Diminished eyesight from conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts
  • Medications that can make an individual dizzy or drowsy, including some over-the-counter medicines
  • Vitamin D deficiency that can affect bone, muscle and nerve health
  • Poor balance

Such factors underscore the need for preventive measures, including bathroom grab bars, adequate stair and passageway lighting, exercises to improve balance and a home environment uncluttered by items that a person can trip over.

* Points incentive available to all Balance® Rewards members. Must present Balance Rewards card in pharmacy to redeem offer. Offer valid 8/1/17 only. No purchase necessary. Limit one per card member. Restrictions apply to point redemption. See full terms and details at Walgreens.com/Balance.

** Offer only valid 8/1/17 in store with Balance® Rewards card to members 55 years of age or older and all AARP members. Proof of age may be required. Discount not valid on alcohol, dairy, tobacco, stamps, phone/prepaid/gift cards, newspapers, magazines, money orders/transfers, transportation passes, lottery tickets, charitable donations, pseudoephedrine or ephedrine products, clinic services, prescriptions, pharmacy items or services, sales tax, Prescription Savings Club membership fee, and items or services submitted to insurance for reimbursement or where otherwise limited by law. Offer is not combinable with “Buy One, Get One Free,” “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” or “Buy 2, Get 3rd Free.” Offer does not apply to bulk orders, backordered items, and out of stock items. Void where prohibited.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contact(s):

Jim Graham
847-315-2925
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens expands its beauty offering with the addition of Sleek MakeUP

U.K. brand launches in more than 150 Walgreens stores and on Walgreens.com this summer

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens today ( July 17, 2017 ) announced the addition of Sleek MakeUP, one of the fastest growing mass market cosmetics brands in the U.K.*, to its beauty offering at more than 150 stores and on Walgreens.com.

“It’s an exciting time for beauty at Walgreens. Customers want to shop the most sought-after brands. The addition of Sleek MakeUP to our cosmetic offering is just another example of how we continue to deliver on our promise to differentiate and elevate the beauty experience at Walgreens,” said Lauren Brindley, group vice president and general merchandise manager, Walgreens. “We will continue to deliver new and exciting brands in a welcoming and accessible environment in hopes of giving our beauty customers more reasons to shop our store.”

Acquired by Walgreens Boots Alliance in 2015, the brand’s full line, including best-selling products like the Solstice Highlighting Palette, Cream Contour Kit and Major Matte Lip Cream, are now available on Walgreens.com and will be in stores at more than 150 Walgreens starting this month.

Sleek has a unique, authentic heritage that originated in East London when a local beauty entrepreneur noted that women of color were underrepresented in the cosmetics market. Inclusivity has always been at the heart of every decision Sleek makes, creating products that celebrate all women and men without exception, readdressing the balance of beauty norms.

Sleek makes the latest beauty trends truly accessible to all through its superior performance makeup with strong pigmentation and high quality formulations. Sleek was an early pioneer of the contouring trend with the launch of Contour Kit in 2009, and was one of the first beauty brands to introduce the matte lip look with its Major Matte lipstick in 2012.

Walgreens beauty offers products such as makeup, skincare, fragrances, hair care, professional hair tools, nail and more. The company also offers Beauty Enthusiast, a beauty club within its Balance® Rewards loyalty program, which provides cardholders who register for Beauty Enthusiast with additional rewards on beauty and personal care items, as well as other benefits. Signup is free, and Beauty Enthusiast members will receive 5,000 Balance Rewards points for every $50 spent on cosmetics, skincare, haircare, oral care, grooming, sun care, fragrance and bath product purchases**. Beauty Enthusiast members will have opportunities to receive free samples and will get exclusive promotions and coupons, as well as special beauty offers, new product information and expert tips throughout the year.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

About Sleek MakeUP

Sleek MakeUP is one of the fastest growing mass market cosmetics brands in the UK*. Acquired by Walgreens Boots Alliance in 2015, Sleek is making its bold debut stateside this summer at Walgreens and ULTA. With 152 products across the lip, eye, and face category, Sleek is committed to providing superior performance makeup with strong pigmentation and high quality formulations. Known for our high pigmentation products, quality formulations and inclusive shade selection, we’ve been setting trends since 1995. From bringing contouring to the masses in 2009 to pre-empting the Matte Lip trend back in 2012, Sleek MakeUP has always been one step ahead. Beloved by those in the know, Sleek MakeUP has developed cult status across the globe due to our bold and brave approach to beauty, and is now sold in over 50 countries worldwide. From the palest to the deepest skin tones, we’ve made it our mission to ensure every makeup junkie across the globe has the right to define their own individual beauty, without boundaries.

*IRI UK Market Data L52 weeks ending June 2017

**Every qualifying purchase adds up to the $50 spend requirement. A qualifying beauty purchase includes products from the following categories: fragrances, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, oral care and grooming products. Excludes prescriptions, baby haircare, baby skincare and baby oral care products. The qualifying beauty spend total is calculated before taxes and after discounts, redemption dollars and store credit have been applied. Complete details at walgreens.com/beautyenthusiast.

Contact:

Emily Hartwig
Office: 847-315-3316
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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Lifesaving opioid antidote naloxone now available without a prescription in all Walgreens pharmacies in Michigan

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — As part of its comprehensive national plan to combat drug abuse, Walgreens today announced it has made naloxone, a lifesaving opioid antidote, available without a prescription in all of its Michigan pharmacies in accordance with state pharmacy regulations.

Naloxone is now more accessible and easier to obtain in more than 225 Walgreens pharmacies throughout Michigan. The medication can be used in the event of an overdose to reverse the effects of heroin or other opioid drugs, and is administered by injection or nasal spray.

“By making naloxone available without a prescription, we are making it easier for Michigan families and caregivers to help their loved ones by having it on hand in case it’s needed,” said Chad Downing, Walgreens Regional Healthcare Director in Michigan. “As a pharmacy we are here to help people, and we are committed to making naloxone more accessible in the communities we serve.”

Last year, Walgreens announced a national effort to make naloxone available without a prescription in states and Washington D.C. where regulations allow. Since its announcement, naloxone has been made available without a prescription in 45 states and Washington D.C.

“Efforts to fight the growing opioid addiction epidemic are all about more second chances and less funerals,” said Lt. Gov. Brian Calley. “Making naloxone readily available in our pharmacies is an important preventative step and we appreciate Walgreens continued partnership and commitment to this issue.”

When naloxone is dispensed instructions are provided on how to administer the medication, which includes calling 911 as naloxone is not a substitute for medical care, and anyone who is administered the medication should seek immediate medical attention.

Walgreens has also installed safe medication disposal kiosks in 600 pharmacies across 45 states including 20 in Michigan. The kiosks allow individuals to safely and conveniently dispose of unwanted prescriptions, including controlled substances and over-the-counter medications year-round at no cost.

States where Walgreens offers naloxone without requiring a prescription:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

SOURCE: Walgreens

Contact(s)

Walgreens
Phil Caruso
847-315-2962
philip.caruso@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

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Walgreens data show more than 20 percent of its app users are age 55 and older

Data show Walgreens app driving more than twice the adoption rate of industry averages among adults age 55 and older

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Walgreens mobile app, already one of the most popular retailer apps in the marketplace with tens of millions of users nationwide, has garnered a particularly robust following among older Americans — a demographic rarely associated with mobile app adoption.

Walgreens data show more than 20 percent of its app users are age 55 and older, more than twice the percentage of industry averages. According to a 2017 survey by Forrester Research, Inc., just 9 percent of all smartphone owners who use shopping apps at least weekly are 55 and older.* Walgreens credits its mobile pharmacy features, such as Pill Reminder and Refill by Scan, for much of its app popularity among older Americans. In fact, 37 percent of those utilizing its mobile pharmacy tools are 55 plus. By comparison, Forrester data show that only 10 percent of smartphone owners who use health and wellness apps at least weekly are in the 55 plus category.*

“One of the things we repeatedly hear is that customers really value their connections with individual pharmacists and staff,” said Mindy Heintskill, Walgreens divisional vice president, loyalty. “We wanted to replicate that connection digitally, so customers can get a high-value, personalized experience even when they can’t make it into a store. We created Pharmacy Chat, which enables customers to have access to trusted experts through our site or mobile app anytime of the day or night, wherever they are. We’ve also seen opportunities for tools like individual pill reminders and prescription alerts to help our customers simplify their daily lives.”

Walgreens has made a number of feature enhancements within the app, aimed at better meeting the needs and interests of older adult users. These include:

  • Support of TouchID and secure auto-login, addressing a key obstacle for users who struggle to remember or locate user credentials, a greater challenge for less frequent users of such apps
  • Simplified menus, also welcomed by infrequent mobile app users unfamiliar with conventions that become familiar with use
  • A pill reminder feature helpful to older adults and seniors who are more likely to have multiple daily dosages to manage
  • Support for smartphones that offer font size options for apps
  • Balance Rewards for healthy choices® that gives users shopper loyalty points if they use the app to track walking, cycling, weight management, blood pressure and more

The mobile app category with the highest proportion of weekly users 55 and over is news/media, at 16 percent, according to Forrester.*

“You know you’ve got a differentiator in the marketplace with this kind of traction,” Heintskill said. “With consumer expectations rising, we continue to put customer needs at the center of everything we do. The fact that more than 20 percent of our app users are in the 55 plus age group is a testament to the extensive research and consumer testing our team conducts to develop the most customer-centric tools for our users. We innovate based on our customers’ needs—not just for the fun of it.”

* Forrester, Consumer Technographics North American Online Benchmark Survey (Part1), 2017

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contact(s)

Walgreens
Jim Graham
847-315-2925
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

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Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS to offer free HIV testing and counseling about prevention strategies

Free HIV testing available at participating Walgreens in 130 cities nationwide, June 27 and 28

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Jun-20 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS, a leading national public information response to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic, are teaming up for the seventh straight year with health departments and local AIDS service organizations (ASOs) to offer free HIV testing and counseling about prevention strategies, including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), as part of a National HIV Testing Day effort.

Testing will be available at more than 220 participating Walgreens stores in 130 cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New Orleans and Memphis, among other cities, on June 27 and 28 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (local time) both days. Results are provided on site by trained counselors. Alere North America, bioLytical Laboratories and OraSure have donated test kits for the activation.

“We know more about preventing and treating HIV than ever before,” said Tina Hoff, senior vice president and director, health communication and media partnerships, Kaiser Family Foundation, which directs Greater Than AIDS. “The first step is knowing your status. This collaboration normalizes HIV testing as part of everyday life, while educating communities about the latest advances.”

PrEP, a medication available by prescription, offers another effective means of protection for those without HIV. In addition, antiretrovirals, the medications used to treat HIV in addition to improving health, are now known to help stop the spread of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HIV testing as part of routine health care.

“With early diagnosis and treatment, someone with HIV can live a healthy normal lifespan,” said Glen Pietrandoni, senior director of virology at Walgreens. “It’s very important to take control of your health by getting a test and learning your status. Results are provided within minutes, on-site by trained counselors.”

For a complete list of participating Walgreens locations and supporting partners, as well as additional information about HIV testing, including year-round testing sites, visit www.greaterthan.org/walgreens.

At all participating Walgreens locations, testing partners will provide informational guides about the benefits of early treatment and PrEP. More than 150,000 copies of the Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS-produced ‘I Got Tested: What’s Next’ guides, which are available in both English and Spanish, have been distributed since 2015. More information about PrEP is available at http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

About Greater Than AIDS

Greater Than AIDS is a leading national public information response focused on the U.S. domestic epidemic. Launched in 2009 by the Kaiser Family Foundation together with the Black AIDS Institute, it is supported today by a broad coalition of public and private sector partners, including: major media and other business leaders; Federal, state and local health agencies and departments; national leadership groups; AIDS service and other community organizations; and foundations, among others. Through targeted media messages and community outreach, Greater Than AIDS works to increase knowledge, reduce stigma and promote actions to stem the spread of the disease. While national in scope, Greater Than AIDS focuses on communities most affected.

About Kaiser Family Foundation

The Kaiser Family Foundation, a leader in health policy analysis, health journalism and communication, is dedicated to filling the need for trusted, independent information on the major health issues facing our nation and its people. The Foundation is a non-profit private operating foundation based in Menlo Park, California.

Contact(s):
Walgreens
Scott Goldberg
847-315-7649
scott.goldberg@walgreens.com

Kaiser Family Foundation
Katie Smith
202-654-1439
ksmith@kff.org

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens announces Memorial Day 20% discount for veterans, active duty military and families on May 29, 2017

DEERFIELD, Ill, 2017-May-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — To honor the service and sacrifices of Americans who served in the armed forces, Walgreens is offering a Memorial Day 20-percent discount to all veterans, active duty military personnel and their immediate family members, including the families of those who lost their lives in service to their country.

“Every day we are honored to serve our veterans, military personnel and their families,” said Richard Ashworth, president, pharmacy and retail operations, Walgreens. “Memorial Day is an opportunity to pay tribute in this small way to their service, commitment and sacrifice, for which we at Walgreens are deeply grateful.”

On Monday, May 29, customers with a Walgreens Balance® Rewards card and valid military ID or proof of service will receive 20 percent off regular price eligible store items* at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstore nationwide. A Balance® Rewards customer loyalty program membership is free and can be obtained at checkout.

*Offer valid for veterans, active-duty military and their immediate family members on May 29, 2017, only with Balance®Rewards card and proof of service. In-store offer only valid in Walgreens or Duane Reade stores. Discount valid on regular-price items only. Offer is not combinable with Buy One Get One Free, Buy One Get One 50% Off or Buy 2 Get 3rd Free. Discount not valid on alcohol, dairy, tobacco, stamps, phone/prepaid/gift cards, money orders/transfers, transportation passes, lottery tickets, charitable donations, pseudoephedrine or ephedrine products, clinic services, health tests, prescriptions, pharmacy items or services, sales tax, the Prescription Savings Club membership fee, newspapers, magazines and items or services purchased by prescription and/or submitted to insurance for reimbursement or where otherwise limited by law.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contact(s):
Jim Graham
847-315-2925
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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75% of Walgreens mental health platform visitors who complete screenings take active steps for follow-up

One year into initiative and collaboration with Mental Health America, data shows nearly 75 percent of Walgreens visitors who complete screenings take active steps for follow-up

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-May-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — One year after Walgreens launched its mental health initiative and collaboration with Mental Health America (MHA), data shows nearly 75 percent of visitors to the digital platform who have completed screenings are also taking active steps for follow-up. The Walgreens platform is also helping to reach a broader demographic of consumers interested in mental health resources.

Visitors to the Walgreens mental health answers site (www.walgreens.com/mentalhealth) can readily access a selection of free online screening tools offered through MHA’s website, including those for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and others. An analysis of non-identifiable screening data from the campaign’s first year shows that of visitors who have completed an online screening offered through MHA, those originating from the Walgreens platform are:

  • More likely to want a referral to someone who can help (37 percent vs. 19 percent)
  • More likely to take an anxiety screening (26 percent vs. 11 percent) or PTSD screening (9 percent vs. 3 percent)
  • Walgreens site visitors are also older (47 percent over age 35 vs. 17 percent for MHA) and more likely to be caregivers (29 percent of Walgreens visitors vs. 9 percent for MHA)

“One of our primary objectives when first launching this program was to help meet the growing need for resources and access to care,” said Harry Leider, M.D., and chief medical officer for Walgreens. “We’re proud to know that the tools and services we’re offering, along with Mental Health America and its community based resources and screening program, are enabling more people to seek answers or help. We look forward to finding more ways to work together, and with other providers and partners to address the many challenges facing both patients and our mental health system today.”

Of the nearly 75 percent of Walgreens visitors who have taken active steps after completing MHA screenings, more than 30 percent say they found treatment, 1-in-4 (24 percent) discussed their results with family, friends or a healthcare professional, and approximately 20 percent have sought additional information.

“Mental Health America is pleased to be working with Walgreens on this important initiative,” said Paul Gionfriddo, president and CEO, Mental Health America. “Our online screening program is often a critical first step for people who have mental health concerns, and because of this collaboration, we’ve seen a more diversified group of visitors to our site, including older generations and caregivers, as well as people who have had a prior mental health diagnosis.”

MHA to add Walgreens Pharmacy Chat to website

Visitors to MHA’s website will soon have easy access to Walgreens pharmacists 24/7 for assistance with medication-related questions or concerns. Walgreens Pharmacy Chat, which offers online access to Walgreens pharmacy staff for secure, 1-on-1 chats, will be available via hyperlink on www.mentalhealthamerica.net this summer.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contact(s):

Jim Cohn
847-315-2950
jim.cohn@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens to present findings of five clinical studies at the 22nd ISPOR Annual International Meeting

Studies examine pharmacy initiatives focused on medication adherence and outcomes

DEERFIELD, Ill, 2017-May-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens will present the findings of five recently completed clinical studies at the 22nd Annual International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Annual International Meeting, May 20-24 in Boston. Clinical abstracts from the studies being presented focus primarily on Walgreens efforts to improve medication adherence and patient outcomes through various pharmacy initiatives.

“We’re continually seeking to uncover new and innovative approaches to help improve outcomes for our patients,” said Chet Robson, medical director, clinical programs and quality, Walgreens. “The research we are presenting at ISPOR demonstrates the impact and effectiveness of various pharmacy programs and services and how they can serve to benefit patients and payers.”

The studies to be presented at ISPOR (https://www.ispor.org/Event/Index/2017Boston) include:

  • Analysis of 90-day prescription refill at retail programs, and their impact on improving adherence to medications included in the CMS Star quality measures, demonstrating significantly greater adherence among Medicare Part D patients
  • A study that observes adherence rates among Walgreens Medicare Part D patients for whom pharmacists initiated late-to-refill reminder calls. Greater impact is shown among patients with 90-day medication fills than on 30-day fills
  • An exploration of factors associated with medication self-synchronization (aligning multiple medications to be refilled on the same day), in which findings reveal medication self-synchronization is associated with age, copay amount, selected maintenance medication indicators, day supply indicators and total number of prescriptions
  • Examination of the Universal Medication Schedule (UMS) as a means of standardizing prescriptions that demonstrates UMS prescribing is associated with significantly higher adherence to oral diabetic medications for older adults with low education who receive a multi-daily regimen. Walgreens collaborated with Northwestern University on this research
  • A study exploring length of therapy and factors associated with HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication adherence, demonstrating significantly higher adherence among older age groups, males, users of HIV-specialized services, and those with private insurance. The study found that patients used PrEP on average for seven to eight months in the first year.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contacts:

Scott Goldberg
847-315-7649
scott.goldberg@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens initiative to combat drug abuse crisis successfully disposed of 72 tons of medications in first year

Company also continues participation in DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Apr-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens today ( April 26, 2017) announced its safe medication disposal program has collected and safely disposed of 72 tons of medications since the launch of the program in 2016. The program, launched in February 2016, is the first ongoing national effort of its kind by a retailer to combat the national drug abuse crisis and help fight the rise in overdose-related deaths in the U.S.

Walgreens installed safe medication disposal kiosks, available during regular pharmacy hours, in more than 600 pharmacies across 45 states and the District of Columbia; that’s more than 100 kiosks above the program’s original goal. In its first year, the program has resulted in the collection and disposal of 72 tons of unwanted medication, or the equivalent weight of about 40 midsize cars.

As part of its continuing effort to combat drug abuse, Walgreens will again participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sponsored National Prescription Drug Take Back Day held on Saturday, April 29. In addition to Walgreens stores with year-round safe medication disposal kiosks, other select Walgreens stores throughout the country will serve as a collection point on April 29 for law enforcement to collect unwanted, unused or expired medications for safe disposal.

Walgreens safe medication disposal kiosks allow individuals to safely and conveniently dispose of their unwanted, unused or expired prescriptions, including controlled substances, and over-the-counter medications, at no cost. The kiosks at Walgreens pharmacies are available during regular pharmacy hours and offer one of the best ways to ensure medications are not accidentally used or intentionally misused by someone else.

Walgreens has also worked to make naloxone, a lifesaving opioid antidote, available without requiring a prescription at its pharmacies in 44 states and Washington, D.C., adding 9 states to its original goal announced last year. Naloxone can be used in the event of an overdose to reverse the effects of heroin or other opioid drugs if administered in time. The medication can be dispensed in accordance with each state’s pharmacy regulations at more than 7,600 Walgreens pharmacies. In the few remaining states where a prescription is required, Walgreens is available and eager to work with regulators to help update rules to allow for dispensing of naloxone without a prescription.

“Since we launched this program last year, we have been truly encouraged by how our patients have embraced the opportunities to safely dispose of their medications. Simply put, this epidemic is one of the most serious issues facing our country today, and this program is making a difference in helping fight against prescription drug abuse,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations.

As highlighted in recently published research in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association (JAPhA)1 the availability of naloxone at pharmacies, patient education and safe drug disposal kiosks are key prevention initiatives to address the opioid epidemic and reduce the increasing national burden of opioid overdose. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 6.4 million Americans misused a prescription drug in 2015.

To learn more about Walgreens efforts to combat drug abuse visit Walgreens.com/combatdrugabuse.

States Included in Walgreens Safe Medication Disposal Kiosk Program

Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

States Included in Walgreens Naloxone Program

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

1 Emily Shafer, Nyahne Bergeron, Renae Smith-Ray, Chester Robson, Rachel O’Koren. A nationwide pharmacy chain responds to the opioid epidemic. J Am Pharm Assoc. Available at: http://www.japha.org/article/S1544-3191(16)31017-2/abstract

Contact:
Phil Caruso
847-315-2962
philip.caruso@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens, American Society of Transplantation (AST) to work over improving medication adherence for organ transplant recipients

DEERFIELD, Ill. and MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., 2017-Apr-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens and the American Society of Transplantation (AST) today (April 24, 2017 ) announced a collaboration focused on establishing future initiatives to help improve medication adherence for organ transplant recipients. The topic of adherence and taking medications as prescribed is especially critical in transplantation, as recipients must take lifelong immunosuppressive medications to prevent possible organ rejection.

The collaboration will officially kickoff later this week with the “Tackling Medication Non-Adherence in Organ Transplantation” symposium hosted by AST and sponsored by Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy.  The meeting will take place over the two-day period (April 28 and 29) prior to the start of the American Transplant Congress (ATC) in Chicago, the premier meeting for transplant professionals which begins on April 29 in the evening.

“The symposium will bring together renowned experts from the transplant pharmacy community to identify ongoing barriers to medication adherence in organ transplantation, and to discuss how we can collectively develop and design innovative, targeted interventions to help improve adherence among transplant patients,” said Angela Maldonado, incoming Chair of the AST Transplant Pharmacy Community of Practice (COP).

At the conclusion of the symposium, as AST and Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy focus on the next steps of the collaboration, participants will become part of a new “Adherence Working Group” of the Transplant Pharmacy COP and will seek opportunities to execute these interventions.

For AST, the collaboration with Walgreens is aligned with Power2Save (www.power2save.org), AST’s public-facing initiative that takes a multi-dimensional approach to making the gift of life last a lifetime. Non-adherence is a threat to optimal outcomes after transplantation, significantly increasing the risk of organ rejection and contrary to the goal of “one transplant for life.”

“In solid organ transplantation, adherence with immunosuppressive medications is a critical issue,” said AST President Anil Chandraker, M.D. “The outcomes of non-adherence can be quite devastating, many times resulting in rejection, graft loss and even mortality. By working with Walgreens, we have the potential to effectively address this issue, with the potential for long-term collaboration on targeted interventions.”

Meen Kang, Walgreens senior director of transplant product management, said, “We look forward to working closely with AST, as our organizations share a commitment to helping transplant patients get back on the road to recovery. Our local Walgreens specialty pharmacy locations across the country work with providers and their patients during and after transplant, providing services designed to make it easy for patients to follow their transplant treatment, with a team dedicated to their individual care.”
At the symposium as well as at ATC, Walgreens will be presenting its recent study on medication adherence for transplant recipients whose immunosuppressives were covered by Medicare Part B over a one year period versus those whose coverage changed during that same period.

About AST
Founded in 1982, the American Society of Transplantation (www.myAST.org) is an organization of more than 3,500 professionals dedicated to advancing the field of transplantation and improving patient care by promoting research, education, advocacy, and organ donation. The society is the largest organization of transplant professionals in North America and is recognized as the premier society for transplantation. AST members are sought out as transplant experts and advocates. Other transplant organizations, policy makers, regulatory agencies, payors, academic institutions, and the general public look to the AST for guidance, research, and resources related to transplantation.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contacts:

Walgreens
Scott Goldberg
847-315-7649
scott.goldberg@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

American Society of Transplantation (AST)
Shauna O’Brien
609-226-3924
sobrien@myast.org

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens kicks off six-week charitable campaign benefitting Red Nose Day

Walgreens returns as exclusive U.S. retailer of Red Noses, on sale starting April 17, to help end child poverty — one nose at a time

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Apr-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Red Noses, the iconic symbol of the Red Nose Day cause to end child poverty, are on sale beginning today (17 April 2017) at all Walgreens and Duane Reade stores nationwide, kicking off the six-week charitable campaign. In its third consecutive year as the exclusive retailer of the campaign’s Red Noses, Walgreens is welcoming back Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day with comic cheer and a series of celebrations and fundraising events nationwide in support of Red Nose Day.

From now until June 3, customers can participate and show their support by purchasing a Red Nose for $1, with all profits from all sales benefitting Red Nose Day.*

“Child poverty is a public health crisis that impacts us all, and Walgreens commitment with Red Nose Day is to create urgency and build a movement to help children around the world,” said Alex Gourlay, Walgreens Boots Alliance co-chief operating officer. “Along with other campaign partners, we’re helping to create a unique and powerful opportunity for people and communities to come together to end child poverty. With more ‘Noses On’ opportunities and activities across the country for Walgreens customers and employees, we’re hoping to put some fun into building on the campaign’s success to hopefully exceed our fundraising goals.”

Ride On For Red Nose Day

For the first time, Walgreens will be hosting Ride On For Red Nose Day, two unique cycling experiences, created in conjunction with PeopleForBikes, to challenge bike riders across the U.S. to pedal for children in need. The cycling fundraising initiative includes two parts:

  • A fully supported, professional-grade road cycling experience with two routes – the first kicks off on the West Coast in Santa Barbara, Calif. on April 30, rolling into Las Vegas on May 3. The East Coast ride travels from Boston on May 21 arriving in New York City on May 24, just in time to celebrate Red Nose Day on May 25
  • A Ride On for Red Nose Day Challenge, in which individuals and groups can commit to riding in their communities to raise funds for Red Nose Day through an online fundraising platform developed for the campaign.

All donations raised during the Ride On activities will benefit the Red Nose Day Fund, and people across the country are encouraged to participate to show their support. To sign up for the challenge and for more information, visit: rideon4rednoseday.com.

“Noses On” Live

To further heighten Red Nose Day awareness, beginning in mid-April, Walgreens employees in select stores across the country will take over Facebook Live with a variety of “Noses On” videos. More than 600 participating employees, also known as “Red Nose Captains,” will complete fun activities on live video, including dancing competitions, singing challenges that Walgreens customers can participate in with employees while wearing their Red Noses, and more. Follow the Walgreens Facebook Page for live updates.

Empowering Through Video

To help launch the initiative, Walgreens, in partnership with VIMBY, a content marketing studio, created a social experiment powered by a series of Red Nose Day videos. The first, “Orange Goes Red,” features a town where the Red Nose spirit is in full force. As newcomers enter the town, they learn how they can make a difference by wearing a Red Nose. The videos also tell various stories about how Red Nose Day benefits its charity partners and enables viewers to track the campaign’s progress.

The Walgreens Impact: Driving Social Responsibility

Red Nose Day has raised more than $1 billion globally since its launch in the UK in 1988. For Walgreens Boots Alliance, a global, pharmacy-led health and wellbeing enterprise, Red Nose Day is an anchor for the company’s goal of supporting health and wellbeing. Walgreens, as part of the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, raised more than $20 million in the U.S. in 2016, supported through sales of Red Noses, providing funds for nutritious meals, essential medicine, clean water and other vital aid and education-based services to children in the U.S. and across the globe.

Beneficiaries of the Red Nose Day Fund include the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which provides safe places for children to learn and play after school; Children’s Health Fund, which brings essential medical services to underserved children; hunger relief organization Feeding America; Save the Children, which provides critical early childhood programs, as well as charity: water; Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; National Council of La Raza; and The Global Fund.

Walgreens Boots Alliance’s corporate social responsibility efforts focus on four key areas: community, environment, marketplace and workplace. For additional information on Walgreens Boots Alliance’s corporate social responsibility efforts, please refer to the recently released 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

This year, the Red Nose Day campaign will culminate in a night of special television programming celebrating Red Nose Day on May 25 starting at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. For more information on Red Nose Day and how to get involved, visit walgreens.com/RedNoseDay and Walgreens on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ:WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

About Red Nose Day

Red Nose Day (rednoseday.org) is run by the non-profit organization Comic Relief Inc. (comicrelief.org), a registered 501(c)(3) American public charity. Red Nose Day started in the U.K., built on the foundation that the power of entertainment can drive positive change. Red Nose Day has raised over $1 billion globally since the campaign’s founding in 1988. Red Nose Day launched in the U.S. in 2015 with a mission to raise money and awareness to end child poverty, and has raised over $60 million to date for the cause. Money raised for the campaign goes to the Red Nose Day Fund, which supports programs that keep children in need safe, healthy and educated, both in America and abroad. Since launching in the U.S., Red Nose Day has received generous support from millions of Americans, and many outstanding partners, including Walgreens, NBC, Mars, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

* Until June 3, 2017, for each Red Nose purchased Walgreens will donate $0.50 to the Red Nose Day Fund, which supports programs that help children living in poverty in the U.S. and internationally. For more information about the Red Nose Day Fund, visit rednoseday.org. No portion of purchase is tax deductible.

Contacts:
Beatrice Jimenez
212-614-4725
Beatrice.jimenez@bm.com

Calvin Peters
847-315-1232
calvin.peters@walgreens.com

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens and PeopleForBikes launch unique road cycling journeys in support of Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day Campaign

Road Cycling Experience to Benefit Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day Campaign to End Child Poverty

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Feb-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens and PeopleForBikes have joined together to introduce “Ride On for Red Nose Day,” two four-day professional-grade road cycling experiences that will begin April 30 to help support Red Nose Day’s mission to end child poverty.

The unique cycling journeys will give participants the opportunity to experience first-class rides through some of the most spectacular scenery the U.S. has to offer, all while enjoying the camaraderie—and fun—that only comes from pedaling hundreds of miles, side-by-side, in support of a worthy cause.

“Participating in the Ride On for Red Nose Day cycling experience is another way we’re fulfilling our purpose at Walgreens to champion everyone’s right to be happy and healthy,” said Alex Gourlay, co-chief operating officer of Walgreens Boots Alliance. “We’re proud to join together with PeopleForBikes to put on these great riding expeditions and encourage our entire Walgreens family – our customers, employees, and vendor partners – to join in raising funds to help end child poverty.”

Two Epic Routes
Riders can choose from two epic routes—one on the West Coast and one on the East Coast.

From April 30 until May 3, West Coast riders will start in the seaside city of Santa Barbara, Calif. and continue through the hills surrounding Ojai, Santa Clarita’s avocado groves, and around the rim of the Mojave Desert, before a final approach into Las Vegas through the spectacular Red Rock Canyon.

From May 21 until May 24, East Coast riders will depart from historic Boston then head west through Massachusetts’s “Happy Valley” toward Saratoga Springs, NY, on some of the Northeast’s most classic roads, before heading south along the Hudson River Valley to New York City.

Find out more by visiting rideon4rednoseday.com or by emailing rideon4rednoseday@peopleforbikes.org.

PeopleForBikes, the nation’s leading bike advocacy organization, will manage all aspects of the ride experience, including professional sag support to handle all mechanical needs, soigneurs to provide massage and bodywork, five-star meals and refreshments, comfortable lodging, luggage transport and much more.

“Having produced our Ride On series for several years now, we’re excited to bring the format to an important cause like Red Nose Day,” said Tim Blumenthal, president of PeopleForBikes. “These rides will deliver great experiences plus the satisfaction of uniting to help kids.”

Funds raised support programs dedicated to keeping children and young people living in poverty safe, healthy and educated — both in America and around the world. Beneficiaries of Red Nose Day grants include charity organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America; charity: water; Children’s Health Fund; Feeding America; Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; National Council of La Raza; Save the Children; and The Global Fund.

About Red Nose Day
Red Nose Day (rednoseday.org) is run by the non-profit organization Comic Relief Inc. (comicrelief.org), a registered 501(c)(3) American public charity. Red Nose Day started in the U.K., built on the foundation that the power of entertainment can drive positive change. Red Nose Day has raised over $1 billion globally since the campaign’s founding in 1988. Red Nose Day launched in the U.S. in 2015 with a mission to raise money and awareness to end child poverty, and has raised over $60 million to date for the cause. Money raised for the campaign goes to the Red Nose Day Fund, which supports programs that keep children in need safe, healthy and educated, both in America and abroad. Since launching in the U.S., Red Nose Day has received generous support from millions of Americans, and many outstanding partners, including Walgreens, NBC, Mars, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens omnichannel business includes Walgreens.com and VisionDirect.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

About PeopleForBikes
PeopleForBikes is uniting millions of individuals, thousands of businesses and hundreds of communities to make better bike riding for everyone. When people ride bikes, great things happen. Join us at PeopleForBikes.org.

Contact:

email: media@walgreens.com
call: 847-315-2921

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens announces availability of naloxone opioid antidote without prescription at its Arizona pharmacies

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Jan-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — As part of its comprehensive national plan to combat drug abuse, Walgreens today (January 17, 2017) announced it has made naloxone, a lifesaving opioid antidote, available without a prescription in all of its Arizona pharmacies in accordance with state pharmacy regulations.

Naloxone is now more accessible and easier to obtain in more than 240 Walgreens pharmacies throughout Arizona. The medication can be used in the event of an overdose to reverse the effects of heroin or other opioid drugs, and is administered by injection or nasal spray.

“By making naloxone available without a prescription, we are making it easier for Arizona families and caregivers to help their loved ones by having it on hand in case it’s needed,” said Brian Sizemore, Walgreens Regional Healthcare Director in Arizona. “As a pharmacy we are here to help people, and we are committed to making naloxone more accessible in the communities we serve.”

In February, Walgreens announced plans to make naloxone available without a prescription in states and Washington D.C. where regulations allow. Since its announcement, naloxone has been made available without a prescription in more than 34 states and Washington D.C.

“We need all hands on deck to stop the unrelenting wave of opioid drug and heroin overdose deaths throughout Arizona and the rest of the country,” said Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. “By signing HB 2355, it became possible for pharmacies like Walgreens to make naloxone available for loved ones and others who may be in a position to save the life of someone struggling with addiction.”

Drug abuse continues to be a public health and safety risk. More Americans die every day from drug overdoses than from motor vehicle crashes, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 19 million Americans misused a prescription drug in 20151.

When naloxone is dispensed instructions are provided on how to administer the medication, which includes calling 911 as naloxone is not a substitute for medical care, and anyone who is administered the medication should seek immediate medical attention.

States where Walgreens offers naloxone without requiring a prescription:

Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York (including Duane Reade pharmacies), North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens omnichannel business includes Walgreens.com and VisionDirect.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

1 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health http://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-FFR2-2015/NSDUH-FFR2-2015.htm

Contact:

Phil Caruso
847-315-2936
philip.caruso@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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FedEx dropoff and pickup services to be made available at Walgreens locations nationwide

Walgreens and FedEx customers to benefit from additional convenient and secure delivery locations
 

MEMPHIS, Tenn., and DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Jan-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and Walgreen Co., one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, announced a long-term alliance agreement that will offer convenient access to FedEx dropoff and pickup services at thousands of Walgreens locations across the United States beginning within the next several months.

“Walgreens, with its strong focus on customer care, is the perfect retailer to help us continue to meet the growing demand for convenient, secure dropoff and pickup options, and our research has shown that customers rank pharmacies as a preferred location for accessing their e-commerce shipments,” said Raj Subramaniam, executive vice president and chief marketing and communications officer, FedEx Corporation.

“The addition of Walgreens locations to the existing network of FedEx retail offerings will substantially increase customer access to staffed pickup and dropoff locations and enhance convenient access to FedEx Ground and FedEx Express package shipment and dropoff options. We look forward to offering these capabilities to customers, and continuing to meet their e-commerce shipping needs with these flexible options.”

“Working with FedEx to provide safe and secure delivery locations while making it easy for customers to ship returns and other packages through the FedEx networks is another way we are becoming America’s most loved pharmacy-led health, wellbeing and beauty retailer,” said Reuben Slone, Walgreens senior vice president of supply chain. “We look forward to providing our customers with these convenient options that will be available whenever the store is open.”

Improving Convenience and Saving Time
By bringing together Walgreens convenient network of retail locations across the country and FedEx as one of the leading enablers of the rapidly growing e-commerce economy, this new alliance will significantly expand the options available to consumers to drop off and pick up their FedEx shipments and handle multiple tasks during a single store visit. As part of the FedEx Onsite™ program, customers will be able to drop off pre-packaged and pre-labeled shipments to Walgreens stores and pick up packages that they direct to their neighborhood Walgreens.

After an initial, small-scale rollout this spring, Walgreens and FedEx expect to have the program available at thousands of Walgreens locations later this calendar year and chainwide at nearly 8,000 Walgreens stores by fall 2018.

About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services.  With annual revenues of $58 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 400,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. To learn more about how FedEx connects people and possibilities around the world, please visit about.fedex.com.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens omnichannel business includes Walgreens.com and VisionDirect.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Contact:
Email: media@walgreens.com
Tel: 847-315-2921.

Source: Walgreens

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Walgreens installs its drug take-back kiosks at 16 Walgreens drugstores in New Jersey

Governor Chris Christie joins Walgreens at today’s launch to help fight prescription drug abuse

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2016-Dec-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens today (December 22, 2016) is launching its safe medication disposal kiosk program in New Jersey with the installation of drug take-back kiosks at 16 Walgreens drugstores in New Jersey. The launch is part of Walgreens effort, announced earlier this year, to install safe medication disposal kiosks at more than 500 of its drugstores around the country.

Walgreens will be joined today by Governor Chris Christie at an East Brunswick store to kick off the drug take-back program in New Jersey.

“Many times, the disease of addiction begins at home in a person’s medicine cabinet, in New Jersey I have made it a priority to target this source by implementing, expanding and promoting programs such as Project Medicine Drop and the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program,” said Governor Chris Christie. “Misuse of prescription drugs is a major pathway to addiction, and this safe disposal program will go a long way to eliminating adults’ and children’s accessibility to these dangerous unused drugs.”

The kiosks provide a safe and convenient way year-round to dispose of unwanted, unused or expired prescriptions, including controlled substances, and over-the-counter medications at no cost.

“By making safe medication disposal kiosks available in select New Jersey stores, as we have done in other states this year, Walgreens is taking an important first step to reduce the misuse of medications throughout the country and curb the rise in overdose deaths,” said Kim Treece, Walgreens regional vice president in New Jersey. “Everyone has a role to play in minimizing prescription drug abuse, and we are committed to being part of a comprehensive solution to reverse this epidemic.”

Safe medication disposal kiosks are currently available in more than 500 Walgreens pharmacies across 43 states and Washington D.C. The kiosks are available during regular pharmacy hours (24 hours a day at most kiosk locations) and offer one of the best ways to ensure medications are not accidentally used or intentionally misused by someone else.

Drug abuse continues to be a public health and safety risk. More Americans die every day from drug overdoses than from motor vehicle crashes, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 19 million Americans misused a prescription drug in 20151.

In addition to offering a year-round solution for individuals to dispose of their medications, all of Walgreens New Jersey pharmacies can dispense naloxone, a life-saving opioid antidote, without requiring a prescription in accordance with state regulations.

To learn more about Walgreens efforts to combat drug abuse visit Walgreens.com/CombatDrugAbuse.

Select New Jersey Walgreens with Safe Medication Disposal Kiosks:

Carlstadt – 637 Hoboken Road
East Brunswick – 421 Ryders Lane
East Orange – 508 Main St.
Elizabeth – 600 Newark Ave.
Elmwood Park – 100 Broadway
Hamilton – 1096 Highway 33
Jersey City – 110 Newark Ave.
Millville – 1111 N. High St.
Neptune – 1905 State Route 33
Parsippany – 200 Baldwin Road, Ste. 200
Pennsauken* – 4601 Westfield Ave.
Perth Amboy – 520 Convery Blvd.
Somerville – 129 Somerset St.
Toms River – 1311 Route 37 W
Union – 2148 Morris Ave.
Waldwick – 72 Crescent Ave.

*Installation complete by December 30, 2016.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens omnichannel business includes Walgreens.com and VisionDirect.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

1 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health http://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-FFR2-2015/NSDUH-FFR2-2015.htm

Contact:
Walgreens
Phil Caruso
Phone: 847-315-2962
philip.caruso@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens