Breakthrough T1D and Walgreens Foundation Join Forces to Support the Type 1 Diabetes Community

NEW YORK and DEERFIELD, Ill., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, and the Walgreens Foundation today announced a new national partnership supporting Breakthrough T1D's mission and advancing the Walgreens Foundation's "Care for Every Community" platform. Together, the organizations will help ensure that the 1 in 31 families impacted by T1D in the United States are healthy today for the cures of tomorrow.

Through a $1 million direct cash commitment over three years, the Walgreens Foundation will support Breakthrough T1D and the T1D community by delivering trusted resources and community support and helping accelerate research toward T1D cures. Beyond this direct commitment, the Walgreens Foundation aims to raise $15 million over three years for Breakthrough T1D through checkout fundraising campaigns in Walgreens stores, with the first campaign launching in May 2027.

"Breakthrough T1D is excited to welcome the Walgreens Foundation as a national partner, and we are deeply grateful for their generous commitment to the type 1 diabetes community," said Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D. "Walgreens is already a steady and trusted local presence in communities, helping this partnership meet people where they already receive care. With a shared focus on improving lives and building a healthier tomorrow, partners like the Walgreens Foundation are essential to making everyday life with type 1 diabetes better today while we work toward cures. We look forward to the positive impact we can create together." 

Through this partnership, the Walgreens Foundation will support community awareness, education, and engagement programs focused on T1D, early detection, and clinical trials, and pharmacists will receive access to ACPE-accredited continuing education activities that will help strengthen care for those living with T1D. In May 2027, Walgreens stores will launch the first of these checkout campaigns, raising important funds for Breakthrough T1D and T1D research and giving customers an easy way to support the T1D community by making a voluntary donation at checkout.

"Walgreens has served as a cornerstone in neighborhoods across the country for more than a century, helping people lead healthier lives through personal care, trusted advice, and accessible services," said Abbe Luersman, Walgreens Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, and President of the Walgreens Foundation. "With more than 1.5 million Americans living with type 1 diabetes today and incidence rates rising, the Walgreens Foundation has a tremendous opportunity to support the community and help people truly see T1D through this partnership with Breakthrough T1D. Together, we strive to reach one person with T1D for every Walgreens team member, making this a true community effort with a collective impact."

The contributions of national partners like the Walgreens Foundation help build critical awareness of T1D and engagement with the broader community and fund research that is advancing the development of disease-modifying therapies that can change the course of T1D, early detection, technology to help with day-to-day T1D management, treatments that address complications of T1D, and cell therapies that may one day cure the disease.

About Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition. 

About Walgreens 
Founded in 1901, Walgreens proudly serves nearly 9 million customers and patients each day across its approximately 8,500 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 220,000 team members, including nearly 90,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail, and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members, and communities.

About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) 
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood glucose; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts 9.5 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all new T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D. 

Contacts:
Breakthrough T1D
Casey Fielder
509-651-0087
[email protected]

The Walgreens Foundation
Margaret Sheehan
[email protected]

SOURCE Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF