Retailer to Launch In-Store Health Clinics

Rite Aid is opening health care centers in 10 ofits stores in Portland, Ore, and the surroundingarea. The retailer recently signed an agreementwith Take Care Health Systems to open the clinicsby November 1, 2005. The Take Care Health Centerswill be staffed by 1 or 2 certified nurse practitioners.

The nurse practitioners will diagnose and treatcommon family illnesses and write commonlyused prescriptions to treat these illnesses. They alsowill perform diagnostic screenings for diabetes,blood pressure disorders, and cholesterol disorders,as well as for sports physicals and for kidneyhealth. In addition, vaccinations will be administeredfor many illnesses, including hepatitis, polio,flu, and chickenpox. The centers will be open 7days a week, during store hours, with no appointmentnecessary. Health insurance and Medicarewill be accepted.

Rite Aid plans to launch the concept nationallyif the Oregon market test is successful. The retailer'slatest program expands on its services in whichits pharmacists provide consultation for a fee.