Advocate Health Care of Chicago is currently preparing to take over operations of 56 neighborhood health clinics located inside Walgreens stores across the Chicagoland area.
Advocate is largest healthcare system in Illinois and Walgreens Boots Alliance, based out of Deerfield, announced the ownership change back in January. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but the clinics are expected to open this month. The 56 clinics are spread over eight counties: Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.
Individuals do not need to be a current Advocate patient to receive care at Advocate Clinic at Walgreens. These walk-in clinics are incredibly convenient and don't require an appointment for patients, who can receive vaccinations, physicals and travel immunizations, as well as care for common injuries or illnesses. Board-certified nurses and medical assistants – trained, employed and supervised by Advocate Medical Group – provide care. The organization said it intends to hire its initial workforce from among the employees currently working at the Walgreens clinic locations.
"As a clinician, I understand firsthand the challenges that many individuals and families face when seeking a health care option that meets their needs," said Dr. Rosa Perez, a family medicine specialist at Advocate Medical Group. "Members of the community will appreciate knowing that a solution to their health care needs is right around the corner."
Advocate Health Care, at its four teaching hospitals trains more primary care physicians and residents than any other health system in the state. According to their website, they also treat more pediatric and cardiovascular patients than any other hospital or system in the state. Advocate is also a leader in cancer treatment, as they diagnose and treat more cancer than any other hospital or system in Illinois.
The non-profit entity is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the United Church of Christ, and has a reputation for fostering community wellness and philanthropy. In 2014, Advocate contributed $783 million in charitable care and services to communities across Chicagoland and Central Illinois.
Walgreens, the nation’s largest drugstore chain, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. Walgreens Boots Alliance is the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 8 million people across USA connect with Walgreens each day to avail its convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and cost-effective pharmacy and wellness services and advice. Walgreens’ 8,173 drugstores are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
