Rite Aid Corporation Shines in the Fight Against Diabetes

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Rite Aid “Stars” Campaign Raises Funds to Support the Mission of the American Diabetes Association

Alexandria, VA (November 19, 2004) – November is American Diabetes Month and, again this year, Rite Aid Corporation is offering its “Be a star in the fight against diabetes!” campaign in all 3,400 Rite Aid pharmacies in 28 states across the country.  Proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Association.   

Rite Aid’s diabetes Stars can be “purchased” for a donation of one dollar and include coupons for significant savings on products geared toward people with diabetes.  During November, participating customers write their names on the Stars for display in the store.  Rite Aid raised over $350,000 for diabetes prevention and management during the 2003 Star campaign and the goal is to double that amount this year. 

“At Rite Aid, we strive each day to help our many customers who live with diabetes,” said Mary Sammons, president and chief executive officer of Rite Aid.  “The Stars campaign is another way Rite Aid continues our commitment to diabetes management and our support of the important work of the American Diabetes Association.”

But diabetes is a year-round disease and Rite Aid’s efforts go far beyond American Diabetes Month as well"

• Beginning in September 2004 and continuing through the first week of December, Rite Aid associates across the country formed more than 100 corporate teams to participate in the American Diabetes Association’s America's Walk for Diabetes at more than 80 Walk sites.  This effort has raised more than $140,000 to date with six more Walks to go.
  

• Rite Aid participates in the Association’s Diabetes EXPOs, which take place in 16 cities across the country and reach out to people with diabetes, those at risk for diabetes, caregivers and anyone interested in healthy living.  EXPOs provide the most comprehensive array of diabetes-related products, services and information available under one roof. Rite Aid provides one-on-one counseling from Diabetes Care Specialists, free personal vitamin profiling, diabetes educational materials, and more.
  

• Rite Aid supports the “American Diabetes Alert” – the Association’s annual, one-day call-to-action held in March to urge people to find out if they are at risk for diabetes – by providing free risk tests in all stores. The goals of the Alert campaign are to inform the public about the seriousness of diabetes and to educate them about diabetes risk factors.
  

• Rite Aid provides extensive diabetes management training to Rite Aid Pharmacists.  In turn, Rite Aid pharmacists offer one-on-one diabetes counseling, diabetes educational materials and more.

This year, Rite Aid also became an American Diabetes Association Corporate Health Ambassador, which means that Rite Aid is actively demonstrating a commitment to helping its associates lead healthier lifestyles as well by encouraging physical activity and eating right in the workplace, and offering opportunities to do so.

“The American Diabetes Association greatly appreciates the initiative and generosity of the Rite Aid Corporation,” said Lynn B. Nicholas, FACHE, chief executive officer of the Association.  “By raising funds to support diabetes research, information and advocacy, this effort goes a long way toward furthering the critical mission of the Association – to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.  As a committed corporate supporter, Rite Aid not only helps us raise funds…they also reach out to the community to help us make an everyday difference in people’s lives.”

More than 18 million people in the United States have diabetes. But nearly one third of them (or more than 5 million people) are not even aware that they have it, and many won’t find out until they develop one of diabetes serious and potentially life-threatening complications, such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease and amputations.  In addition, an estimated 41 million people have pre-diabetes, putting them at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.  Diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure.  It is the fifth leading cause of death by disease in the United States.

The incidence of diabetes is growing rapidly.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of diabetes has jumped nearly 50 percent in the past 10 years. It’s estimated that about 1.3 million people will be diagnosed with diabetes this year. And it’s predicted that one in three Americans born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime. 

To find a Rite Aid pharmacy near you, visit www.riteaid.com or call 1-800-RITEAID (1-800-748-3243).  For more information about diabetes prevention and management, call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).

About Rite Aid Corporation

Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with annual revenues of more than $16.6 billion and approximately 3,400 stores in 28 states and the District of Columbia.  Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.

About the American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s premier voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy.  Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to hundreds of communities.  The Association’s commitment to research is reflected through its scientific meetings; education and provider recognition programs; and its Research Foundation and Nationwide Research Program, which fund breakthrough studies looking into the cure, prevention, and treatment of diabetes and its complications.  For more information, please call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).  Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.