Walgreens Committed to Supporting Rite Aid Customers and Employees

Walgreens is offering recruitment events for employees and no-hassle prescription transfers for customers impacted by Rite Aid transitions

DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In light of Rite Aid's recent bankruptcy filing, Walgreens is committed to assisting Rite Aid customers and employees who are impacted by store closures in their local community.

For customers who want to transfer their prescriptions to Walgreens:

We recognize the trust patients have placed in their Rite Aid pharmacists, and Walgreens is here to continue that care with compassion and consistency. Walgreens is dedicated to meeting patients’ needs for continued access to trusted, high-quality pharmacy and health services in communities across the country. This includes those who may be impacted by Rite Aid store closures or other changes to their local pharmacy’s operations.

“Pharmacists are deeply embedded in their neighborhoods, and I know how difficult it can be for patients to lose access to their community pharmacy and the pharmacists they interact with regularly,” said Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer, Walgreens. “Our Walgreens pharmacy teams are here to make it easy for patients who are affected by these changes, whether that’s by helping quickly transfer a prescription, answering questions about a medication, or providing health services like vaccines and testing.”

With some Rite Aid store closures expected to begin in the coming weeks, Walgreens encourages patients to transfer their prescriptions as soon as possible to avoid care interruptions. By visiting Walgreens.com/transferRX, customers can easily find their nearest Walgreens location and transfer their prescriptions securely. Patients can also call 1-833-961-1642 if they need further assistance in transferring scripts.

For employees interested in open positions at Walgreens:

In response to the nationwide shortage of pharmacists, Walgreens is actively working to attract and hire skilled professionals. Rite Aid employees who are impacted by this news are encouraged to explore Walgreens opportunities near them and to visit jobs.walgreens.com to learn more. There is also a dedicated phone line (833-Join-Wag) and email inbox ([e-mail]) for Rite Aid employees to leverage.

We value the time that employees have invested at Rite Aid and intend to recognize Rite Aid service for eligible individuals joining our team. In the coming weeks, Walgreens will also host virtual informational sessions for pharmacists, pharmacy interns, pharmacy managers and pharmacy technicians.

“As a pharmacist myself with more than 30 years into a fulfilling career at Walgreens, I know firsthand how powerful it is when you are empowered to work to the top of your education, supported by a strong team that’s focused on patient care,” said Gates. “At Walgreens, that’s what we’re about, giving our team members a chance to grow, both personally and professionally.”

Walgreens has several programs designed to help team members grow in their careers, including opportunities to expand clinical skills and transition into pharmacy, specialty pharmacy and corporate roles.

Walgreens also employs innovative technology like micro-fulfillment centers to give pharmacy teams more time with patients. Dedicated investments in team members through programs like PharmStart, Pharmacy Educational Assistance Program tuition assistance and Student Loan 401(k) Match ensures employees can build their future while serving their community.

About Walgreens

Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) has a storied heritage of caring for communities for generations, and proudly serves nearly 9 million customers and patients each day across its approximately 8,500 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and leading omni-channel platforms. Walgreens has approximately 220,000 team members, including nearly 90,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for retail pharmacy and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.

Walgreens is the flagship U.S. brand of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader. Its retail locations are a critical point of access and convenience in thousands of communities, with Walgreens pharmacists playing a greater role as part of the healthcare system and patients’ care teams than ever before. Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy provides critical care and pharmacy services to millions of patients with rare disease states and complex, chronic conditions.

Media Resources

B-roll and photos are available for download on the Walgreens media resources hub.