Q&A: Helping care for others: John Learish, senior vice president, marketing, Rite Aid

Drug Store News: Why is caregiving important to Rite Aid, not only in Pittsburgh but nationwide?

John Learish: When you look at the caregiver segment, it’s growing exponentially. The statistics show that nearly 1-in-4 U.S. households currently cares for a relative or friend over 50. And as the population continues to age, this is something that, as a healthcare provider, we’re going to have to address.

This is why Rite Aid’s vision of being the customer’s first choice for health and wellness is so clear. It’s really our responsibility to be a healthcare resource and an extension of the care that these folks are providing to those in need.

When you talk to some of these caregivers, you hear some pretty heart-felt stories. Some of these folks have been caring for the elderly and the disabled for very long, extended periods of time. And it’s a difficult task. They don’t have good resources to help them with that [today]. We want to be that resource.

Pittsburgh is a great market for Rite Aid. But Pittsburgh is also one of the oldest markets in the country. So there’s a big unmet need for these kinds of services. But it’s not unique to Pittsburgh. It’s a trend you’re going to see grow exponentially across the country.

DrSN: What is the takeaway care-givers should have after visiting the Caregiver Expo?

Learish: This is one of the ways that we demonstrate our commitment to our vision of being the customer’s first choice for health and wellness. We want them to be able to come to us, not just for the products that we offer, cause they can get those products anywhere. It’s the resources that we provide that help them manage their health and the health of those they are caring for.

For the complete interview, visit www.drugstorenews.com.