Retail pharmacy again steps to the plate as the South recovers from the latest hurricane

NEW YORK — Recent hurricane relief efforts have expanded to incorporate the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Florida and neighboring southern states as retail pharmacy operators continue to provide support to the associates and customers impacted by floods and power outages.



In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Walgreens on Wednesday committed to a $200,000 donation to American Red Cross Hurricane Irma relief efforts and also is donating supplies of water and food to relief efforts in San Juan, Puerto Rico.



“As recovery efforts move forward, our focus is on supporting our customers and employees who live in the many communities we serve that were impacted by the storm,” stated Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations. “The generosity of people throughout the country who participate in our fundraising for relief efforts will be appreciated more than they know by the people in need.”



More than 700 out of approximately 830 Walgreens stores in Florida have reopened, and all of Walgreens South Carolina drugstores that were temporarily closed are now open. Walgreens also has restored operations in nearly all of its Georgia and Puerto Rico locations that had closed due to the storm.

Also, CVS Pharmacy and CVS Caremark, CVS Health's pharmacy benefit management business, have activated a process that allows pharmacists to provide one-time emergency refills of a 10-day supply of medication for plan members in areas impacted by Hurricane Irma.



In addition, CVS Health, its customers and colleagues, and the CVS Health Foundation donated more than $400,000 in cash and in-kind donations in response to Hurricane Harvey, for a total to date of more than $525,000 in collective commitment related to the two storms.



Florida mainstay Publix Super Markets has also established a program to offer its customers and associates a way to directly assist those areas affected by Hurricane Irma.



“Our Publix family has been severely affected by this storm, but helping our associates, customers and communities is fundamental to who we are,” said Maria Brous, director of media and community relations. “We will rebuild together and support each other in the coming weeks and months.”



Additionally, Publix Super Markets Charities is donating in total $1 million to the American Red Cross and United Way for relief efforts for the affected areas.



And Harris Teeter is distributing free water and ice to customers affected by the recent inclement weather as long as supplies last.