Walgreens, VillageMD expand partnership in Arizona
Walgreens Boots Alliance and VillageMD are making big inroads in Arizona. The companies have opened 18 Village Medical at Walgreens locations in Phoenix, with plans for four more locations open by the end of the year, bringing primary care services to Walgreens locations where patients can access care and pharmacy services.
“The strategic partnership between Walgreens and VillageMD aims to change how healthcare is delivered in this country,” said Jamie Vortherms, vice president of healthcare services, Walgreens. “By coordinating Village Medical primary care with Walgreens pharmacy services in our stores and virtually, the patient experience is now improved with more convenient, in-neighborhood access to care.”
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic illnesses kill 7 in 10 Arizona residents every year. The companies said Village Medical at Walgreens locations aim to combine primary care providers and Walgreens’ pharmacy capabilities to offer care for chronic conditions, alongside everyday illnesses and injuries. They also will offer COVID-19 testing and vaccinations through the Walgreens pharmacy, as well as increased access to in-person and virtual primary care visits.
“Phoenix-area residents, and particularly patients who need ongoing care for chronic conditions, will benefit from our integrated care team and our high-tech, high-touch model,” said Dr. Brent Asplin, president of Village Medical. “We first entered the Phoenix market last year and we’re encouraged by the demand we’ve seen in the area — and we’re just getting started on delivering exceptional care to the community.”
The 22 Arizona locations are expected to create roughly 800 jobs in the area. The Arizona expansion follows a growing commitment to the sites in Florida, as well as success in Texas, where there will be 29 Village Medical at Walgreens locations by the end of the year.
In early July, Walgreens executives made clear that partnerships like the one with VillageMD would play a central role in its efforts to become a healthcare destination.