Kroger Pharmacies Donate $10,897 in Flu Vaccines to HealthNet Inc.’s Community Health Centers
1/7/2008
The Kroger Co.’s Central Division pharmacy group, headquartered in Indianapolis, announced the donation of 1,000 doses of flu vaccine, valued at $10,897, to HealthNet Inc. HealthNet, an affiliate of Clarian Health, provides primary health care and support services to more than 40,000 uninsured and underinsured patients each year through its network of five community health centers, three dental clinics, pharmacy and OB/GYN and pediatric care center located in Indianapolis neighborhoods.
Pharmacist Marc Stuive, who coordinates a multi-state flu vaccine program for Kroger each year through a partnership between Kroger pharmacies local Visiting Nurse Services, Home Healthcare Agencies, and others said, “As we approach the 2008 flu season, we are concerned some families in our central Indiana neighborhoods might not have access to or the resources to take advantage of traditional flu shot clinics. We have great respect for the mission and success of HealthNet’s health centers and believe they are the perfect partner for Kroger to ensure those families they serve have access to flu prevention vaccines.”
According to President of Kroger’s Central Division, Bob Moeder, “Improving the health of our customers and our neighbors in the communities we serve is a national priority for The Kroger Co. Kroger associates actively donate their time and talent to many health care causes throughout the year. Our pharmacists are a particularly active volunteer group within Kroger. This operating division alone supports several dozen events whose focus is generating critical resources in the fight against major diseases. The information we distribute to consumers and the product mix in our stores strongly emphasize health as well. This includes several hundred organic products, rBST free milk and cholesterol-reducing milk.”
“We greatly appreciate this donation from The Kroger Co.,” said HealthNet Chief Medical Officer Don Trainor, M.D. “Flu shots save lives. People without health insurance often go without care or delay care. It’s critical that we continue to provide much needed vaccinations for those in need.”
The Kroger Central Division has 154 food stores, 129 pharmacies and 49 fuel centers operating under five banners; Kroger, Scott’s, Owen’s, Hilander and Pay Less, with locations primarily in Indiana and Illinois, in addition to five stores in Missouri, one in Michigan and one in Ohio. Kroger Central Division is dedicated to supporting every local community it serves, contributing more than $6 million annually to local organizations, primarily focusing on hunger relief, K-12 education, health causes and diversity. At Kroger we value: honesty, respect, inclusion, diversity, safety and integrity.
For the past 40 years, HealthNet has been a mainstay in the Indianapolis community. Through its network of five community-based health centers, one OB/GYN and pediatrics care center, and six school-based clinics, HealthNet annually serves over 40,000 individuals and families. Many of them are uninsured or underinsured and live below the federal poverty level.
HealthNet services include: primary and preventive health care; OB/GYN support and coaching for expectant mothers; Healthy Families and Better Indy Babies; dental services; Homeless Initiative Program; pharmacy, counseling, outreach and social service programs.
HealthNet’s health centers include Barrington Health Center, Care Center at the Tower, Martindale-Brightwood Health & Dental Center, People’s Health & Dental Center, Southeast Health & Dental Center, Southwest Health Center, and Southwest OB/GYN Annex.
Contact:
John Elliott, Kroger - 317-579-8260; john.elliott@kroger.com
Kay Johnson, HealthNet - 317-781-4989; kay.johnson@indyhealthnet.org