I am pleased to announce the American Diabetes Association’s collaboration with Walgreens, a National Strategic Partner of the Association, and its Balance® Rewards program to help further the movement to Stop Diabetes.

Walgreens purpose is to help people get, stay and live well, which inspired the organization to create its Balance® Rewards program. It’s the first loyalty program that rewards consumers for their healthy choices made every day such as walking, running, weight management and testing blood pressure and blood glucose.  In addition, for every person that joins the Balance Rewards program viadiabetes.org/pr-rewards, Walgreens will donate $1 to the American Diabetes Association through December 31, 2014, up to $50,000.

“Walgreens plays an integral role in the advancement of our mission and our movement to Stop Diabetes. Leading a healthy and active lifestyle are key components for those who are at risk for or live with type 2 diabetes,” said Larry Hausner, CEO, American Diabetes Association. “We are proud to be collaborating with Walgreens to get the word out about such an exciting program that will not only get people to make better choices, but it will help the Association raise critical funds to help further our movement to stop this deadly disease.”

The year-round relationship with Walgreens and the American Diabetes Association, which kicked off in November during American Diabetes Month®, continues with Walgreens participating in the Association’s educational event – American Diabetes Association EXPO – in seven cities nationwide.  They also help raise awareness about American Diabetes Association Alert Day® by encouraging their customers to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for type 2 diabetes.  Walgreens also promotes the importance of physical activity by participating in Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes® events across the country.

Special thanks to Christine Feheley, Managing Director, Communications and the rest of the Marketing Communications team that includes Anna Baker, Senior Manager, Communications/Social Media, Quyen Dinh, Manager, Integrated Marketing, Angela Murray, Associate Director, Field Communications and Christina Schnoor, Manager, eCampaigns for their work in promoting this collaboration. Thanks also to David McShea, Managing Director, Special Events, for guidance related to Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes and to Jo Diehl, Director, Client Services for project coordination.

Sincerely,

Nancy Stinson Harris
Vice President, Corporate Alliances & Associate Publisher