Publix to offer free meds to diabetics

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Publix to Offer Free Medication to Some Diabetics | Latest News | TheLedger.com

Publix to Offer Free Medication to Some Diabetics


By Kyle Kennedy
THE LEDGER


Published: Monday, March 15, 2010 at 11:42 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, March 15, 2010 at 11:42 a.m.
LAKELAND | Publix Super Markets Inc. has launched a diabetes managment program that includes free access to a generic medication.

The program, announced today, gives free supplies of metformin, a generic form of the drug Glucophage, to Publix pharmacy customers with Type II diabetes.

Customers will also have their diabetes medications enrolled in an auto-refill program and can access health information online at www.publix.com/diabetes.

"As both a supermarket and pharmacy, Publix is the ideal setting in which to promote healthy living," said Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous in a prepared statement.
"We are uniquely positioned to educate our customers and associates on the nutritional aspects of living with diabetes. As a grocer of choice for so many, we saw an opportunity to better serve the health and maintain the wellness of those leaning to live with and mange their diabetes."
The diabetes program is not the first Publix initiative to include free medications. In August 2007 Publix announced it would provide free basic antibiotics to customers with prescriptions.
That program covered up to a 14-day supply of seven popular oral antibiotics.