DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walgreens, a provider of trusted care in communities since 1901, will join The Skin Cancer Foundation on the road this year in support of its Destination: Healthy Skin Program– a national effort to educate the public about the importance of effective sun protection for skin cancer prevention, and the importance of early detection.
“As people spend more time outside enjoying their favorite summer activities, it’s especially important to remember that the sun’s rays can be very harmful if the proper precautions are not taken,” said Joe Hartsig, chief merchandising officer, Walgreens. “Walgreens is proud to join The Skin Cancer Foundation to heighten awareness around the need for prevention, and to bring outdoors the caring expertise we deliver every day in our stores in the community.”
The national mobile education program kicks off today, May 15, at 1841 Broadway (near Columbus Circle) in New York City, and features a customized RV with two private exam rooms where local dermatologists volunteer their time to provide free full-body skin cancer screenings. The screenings will be available to the public during the following hours:
- Tuesday, May 15 – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 16 – 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Thursday, May 17 – 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
At the events, Walgreens will host interactive skincare experiences featuring specially trained Walgreens beauty consultants and pharmacists. These experts will be on-site to distribute sunscreen samples, educate visitors on the importance of sun protection, provide recommendations for sunburn treatment and talk with people about possible photosensitive effects of certain prescription medications. In addition to New York City, Walgreens will participate in community activations at Destination: Healthy Skin events in:
- Miami – June 9 – 11
- Houston – June 17 – 19
- Denver – July 17 – 19
- Chicago – July 28 – 30
“Since 1901, we have dedicated ourselves to serving our communities, and to always being there to help our customers feel good,” said Adam Holyk, chief marketing officer, Walgreens. “Our trusted pharmacists and beauty consultants play an important role in providing expert advice year-round. This summer, working together with Skin Cancer Foundation, we’re helping our customers better understand a healthy skin and sun care regimen. With products including those in our own portfolio like No7, we hope to help more people enjoy the summer months starting with the kind of care they’ve come to expect from Walgreens.”
Summer is for (Social) Sharing
In addition to the skincare educational sessions, Walgreens invites program participants to share their sunscreen knowledge by participating in a fun social media activity called, “Show Us Your Sunscreen Face.” Visitors will receive samples of Walgreens sunscreen and are encouraged to apply it in a creative way, such as the “lifeguard nose.” Participants can then take a photo of their “sunscreen face” and share with their friends using a special hashtag.
Skin Cancer in the U.S.
According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and incidence continues to rise. It’s estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. When skin cancer is found and removed early, there is a higher probability of a cure.
About Walgreens
Walgreens (walgreens.com), a provider of trusted care in communities since 1901, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,100 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.
About The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. Since its inception in 1979, the Foundation has recommended following a complete sun protection regimen that includes seeking shade and covering up with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, in addition to daily sunscreen use. For more information, visit SkinCancer.org.
