Walgreens and AARP Extend Free Health Testing Campaign Through 'AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour'

USA - English

• Latin America - español

DEERFIELD, Ill., March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning in mid-March, the AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour will once again travel the country, embarking on a ten-month tour to provide an expected $14 million worth of free health tests. The national mobile tour will conduct free health-testing events in communities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The free tests — which include total cholesterol levels, blood pressure, bone density, glucose levels, waist circumference and body mass index — are valued at $100 per person and may help provide adults with a critical foundation for early disease detection and prevention.

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"We are pleased that important health tests are being provided at a time when many still cannot afford preventive health care," said A. Barry Rand, AARP's Chief Executive Officer. "These tests will go a long way toward increasing the chances for early detection of chronic disease and other potential health problems."

"During previous tours, I've seen how these free tests can be a life-saving resource," said Greg Wasson, Walgreens President and CEO. "This campaign will help a tremendous number of people improve their lives through greater access to health resources, particularly for those most in need."

The AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour is comprised of nine custom-equipped buses with a dedicated trained staff that travel separate routes canvassing the country. Each bus will spend several days in designated cities providing free services at local events, community centers, Walgreens store locations and other select locations to make health tests more accessible to the community.

Tests are available to adults age 18 and older. After the tests are performed, a pharmacist or trained staff member will instantly provide the results and review them with the consumer. Visitors will also have access to free educational information on a variety of health and wellness issues available in both English and Spanish. Consumers are encouraged to report their test results to their doctor or health care provider so they may discuss any concerns with them.

Consumers can learn when the tour is scheduled to serve their community by calling Walgreens toll-free 1-866-484-8687 or visiting www.aarpwalgreens.com/tour. Free, one-year AARP memberships will be given to all adults who receive tests.  Participants under the age of 50 can pass on the free membership to an eligible adult, and existing members will receive a one-year extension on their current membership status.

SOURCE Walgreens