Giant Eagle® Receives American Diabetes Association Chairman's Citation Award

PITTSBURGH, March 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Giant Eagle®, the region's leading food and fuel retailer, has received the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) prestigious Chairman's Citation Award.

Giant Eagle is the second ever recipient of the Award, which recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of individuals, corporations, institutions and organizations who have demonstrated significant dedication and commitment and have had a positive impact in advancing the mission of the ADA.

Bret Michaels, lead vocalist of Poison and diabetes advocate, received the first award in 2010 for his efforts in raising critical awareness about the seriousness of diabetes and the important of diabetes prevention and management.

Giant Eagle is committed to improving the overall health and wellness of the communities it serves. Since 2005, Giant Eagle has provided over $750,000 in support of the American Diabetes Association and thousands of dollars of in-kind support such as food for events, non-perishable products for diabetes camps and leadership on local boards and committees.

In April 2010, Giant Eagle introduced a program offering the five most commonly prescribed diabetes medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes at no cost to medical prescription holders.  To date, Giant Eagle has provided approximately $4 million in customer savings on diabetes medications.

In addition to free diabetes medications, Giant Eagle offers a multi-faceted program consisting of:

• Free diabetes screenings in all 211 pharmacy store locations that will include glucose screenings and A1C tests to check average blood sugar levels.
• Pharmacy Diabetes Care Specialists, available at every pharmacy location, trained from an American Pharmacists Association program and endorsed by the American Academy of Diabetes Educators.  Trained pharmacists will be available to help answer patients' questions on diabetes and diabetes care.
• Nutrition classes that will provide an overview of the major components for a healthy lifestyle including food choices and exercise.  

Information for the in-store diabetes screenings schedule and nutritional classes can be found at www.gianteagle.com.

"Diabetes is, unfortunately, an increasingly common disease in the United States and in the communities that we serve," said Giant Eagle Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Operations, Brett Merrell.  "We have long admired the wonderful efforts of the American Diabetes Association, and are proud to continue our collaborative efforts to both educate and treat Giant Eagle customers about these diseases."

"Giant Eagle is an important and valued supporter of the American Diabetes Association," stated American Diabetes Association Chief Executive Officer Larry Hausner.  "It gives me great pride to recognize Giant Eagle for their support of our STOP DIABETES Movement and the support they provide to the Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Columbus markets."

The American Diabetes Association is the largest voluntary health organization committed to the fight to stop diabetes.  Each year, the Association honors volunteers who have made a significant contribution to this fight at its Community Volunteer Leadership Conference and National Board Meeting.  Immediately following this conference, the Association hosts its Scientific Sessions with more than 17,000 top scientists, physicians and other health care professionals from around the world to share cutting-edge research, treatment recommendations and advances toward a cure for diabetes.

Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes.  Diabetes contributes to the deaths of more than 230,000 Americans each year.  The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total annual cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is more than $174 billion; further published studies suggest that when additional costs for gestational diabetes, pre-diabetes and undiagnosed are included, the total diabetes-related costs in the United States could exceed $218 billion.

About Giant Eagle

Giant Eagle Inc., ranked 29 on Forbes magazine's largest private corporations list and recipient of Grocery Headquarters' 2007 Retailer of the Year Award and the EPA's ENERGY STAR Retail Partner of the Year Award, is one of the nation's largest food retailers and food distributors with approximately $8.6 billion in annual sales.  Founded in 1931, Giant Eagle, Inc. has grown to be the number one supermarket retailer in the region with 170 corporate and 58 independently owned and operated supermarkets in addition to 160 fuel and convenience stores throughout western Pennsylvania, Ohio, north central West Virginia and Maryland.  

About the American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes is leading the fight to stop diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes.  The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes.  Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.  For more information, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-888-DIABETES (1-888-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org.  Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

SOURCE Giant Eagle