In support of American Diabetes Awareness Month, we hosted Diabetes Solutions events at each of our 223 stores in March. Diabetes care pharmacists and trained pharmacy technicians were on hand, helping shoppers with free blood glucose screenings and American Diabetes Association Risk Assessments, as well as distributing shopping guides and educational materials.
“Diabetes now affects 1 out of 3 American adults and many are unaware, so the Diabetes Solutions events are a great opportunity to take a risk test and talk with pharmacists about opportunities for getting extra support in developing a personal care plan for diabetes,” Meijer Health and Wellness Director Jacquelyn DeBruler said.
We also hosted a Twitter party, with the help of Saint Joseph Health System, ThisCounts.org, and the University of Notre Dame, to discuss ways to prevent and manage diabetes. Participants tweeted questions to @Meijer using the hashtag #LetsTalkDiabetes.
With pharmacies in all of all of our stores, we strive to provide convenient support for people needing diabetes care. In addition to our fresh produce and other healthy food options, Meijer stores have a Diabetes Care section in front of pharmacies to help shoppers manage their needs. As part of our free pharmacy program, Meijer offers free Metformin Immediate Release, the drug most commonly used in treating type 2 Diabetes, for customers with a prescription. To date, the program has helped save Midwest families more than $440 million in prescription costs since 2006.