Giant Eagle Honored for Diabetes Commitment
Giant Eagle has received the American Diabetes Association’s prestigious Chairman’s Citation Award, which recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of individuals, corporations, institutions and organizations who have demonstrated significant dedication and commitment and have had a positive impact in advancing the mission of the ADA.
Giant Eagle is committed to improving the overall health and wellness of the communities it serves. Since 2005, Giant Eagle has provided more than $750,000 in support of the American Diabetes Association and thousands of dollars of in-kind support such as food for events, non-perishable products for diabetes camps and leadership on local boards and committees.
In April 2010, Giant Eagle introduced a program offering the five most commonly prescribed diabetes medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes at no cost to medical prescription holders. To date, Giant Eagle has provided about $4 million in customer savings on diabetes medications.
In addition to free diabetes medications, Giant Eagle offers a multifaceted program:
- Free diabetes screenings in all 211 pharmacy store locations that will include glucose screenings and A1C tests to check average blood sugar levels.
- Pharmacy diabetes care specialists, available at every pharmacy location, trained from an American Pharmacists Association program and endorsed by the American Academy of Diabetes Educators.
- Nutrition classes that will provide an overview of the major components for a healthy lifestyle including food choices and exercise.
- Information for the in-store diabetes screenings schedule and nutritional classes can be found at www.gianteagle.com.
“Diabetes is, unfortunately, an increasingly common disease in the United States and in the communities that we serve,” said Brett Merrell. Giant Eagle senior VP of pharmacy operations. “We have long admired the wonderful efforts of the American Diabetes Association, and are proud to continue our collaborative efforts to both educate and treat Giant Eagle customers about these diseases.”
ADA CEO Larry Hausner said: “Giant Eagle is an important and valued supporter of the American Diabetes Association. It gives me great pride to recognize Giant Eagle for their support of our Stop Diabetes Movement and the support they provide to the Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Columbus markets.”
The American Diabetes Association is the largest voluntary health organization committed to the fight to stop diabetes.
Bret Michaels, lead vocalist of Poison and diabetes advocate, received the first award in 2010 for his efforts in raising critical awareness about the seriousness of diabetes and the important of diabetes prevention and management.
Founded in 1931, Giant Eagle Inc. operates 170 corporate and 58 independently owned and operated supermarkets in addition to 160 fuel and convenience stores throughout western Pennsylvania, Ohio, north central West Virginia and Maryland.
IN THE PHOTO: Giant Eagle's Laura Shapira Karet accepts the Chairman's Citation Award from ADA CEO Larry Hausner.