2008-09-05 19:14:02 -

www.walgreens.com/about/press/default.jsp - Walgreens Tiffani Bruce (847) 914-2962 news.walgreens.com Walgreens trucks loaded with food, water and emergency supplies have arrived in Baton Rouge, La., to aid with continuing Hurricane Gustav relief efforts. Water, trail mix, granola bars and other snack items along with infant formula and diapers will be delivered to storm-weary residents

in area shelters.

As one of the areas hit hardest by Gustav, there is still tremendous need in many Baton Rouge communities. Thousands remain without electricity, and food and water are still in high demand. Walgreens was eager to lend a helping hand.

"We're committed to supporting the communities we serve, especially in their most difficult times," said Walgreens director of community affairs, John Gremer. "I'm extremely proud of our local employees and those in our distribution centers who have pulled together to respond quickly to this city's ongoing needs."

One of the drugstore chain's top priorities is getting any stores that were closed due to the storm back open and serving residents - particularly those with immediate medical needs. As of this morning, all but one of Walgreens 15 Baton Rouge stores are open. Across the Gulf Coast region, only nine remain closed - down from 69 closed immediately following the storm.

Preparations are now being made to assist with recovery needs across the nation's southeast coast with the expected arrival of Tropical Storm Hanna this weekend and Hurricane Ike next week. Walgreens is gathering supplies to place on standby for a swift response to emergency requests.

"Once again, we'll direct critical resources to communities in need," said Gremer. "We're on alert, and we'll be ready to help wherever we can."

Walgreens is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2008 sales of $59 billion. The company operates 6,443 drugstores in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Walgreens provides the most convenient access to consumer goods and cost-effective health care services in America through its retail drugstores, Walgreens Health Services division and Walgreens Health and Wellness division. Walgreens Health Services assists pharmacy patients and prescription drug and medical plans through Walgreens Health Initiatives Inc. (a pharmacy benefit manager), Walgreens Mail Service Inc., Walgreens Home Care Inc., Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy LLC and SeniorMed LLC (a pharmacy provider to long-term care facilities). Walgreens Health and Wellness division includes Take Care Health Systems, which is comprised of: Take Care Consumer Solutions, managers of 220 convenient care clinics at Walgreens drugstores, and Take Care Employer Solutions, managers of worksite-based health and wellness services at 355 employer campuses.

Preparations Being Made for the Expected Arrival of Tropical Storm
Hanna Followed by Hurricane Ike