Walgreens' Take Care Health Systems recently reached a major milestone, with 500,000 patients treated since its Take Care Health Clinics were launched in November 2005. The company currently manages 181 convenient care clinics in 22 markets throughout 14 states and plans to have >400 clinics open by the end of 2008.

The clinics are staffed by board-certified family nurse practitioners and physician assistants who treat patients 18 months and older for common illnesses, and are licensed to write prescriptions. Take Care health providers also conduct sports and camp physicals and offer vaccinations.

"Take Care Health Systems is leveraging more resources to drive an industryleading commitment to convenient care clinics and truly impact the health care marketplace," noted Peter Miller, Take Care Health Systems president and chief executive officer. "The fact that Take Care Health providers have treated this many patients since the first clinic opened only 2 and a half years ago shows that we are quickly emerging as an important part of the solution to the current health care crisis."