Rite Aid Joins American Diabetes Association in Special Diabetes Awareness Promotion October, November and December

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), nearly 21 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 6.2 million of them don’t even know that they have the disease! To fight the growing epidemic and educate its patients, Rite Aid (NYSE:RAD), will offer a free 18-page Diabetes Guide and a Diabetes Tip Booklet in all stores during October, November and December. Developed with the ADA, the guide provides helpful advice on managing diabetes as well as identifying symptoms and risk factors for the disease. The guide also includes information on health nutrition and exercise, medications and diabetes-related products as well as a risk assessment test from the ADA, information on diabetes management for patients living with diabetes, a food diary and a chart to record blood glucose readings. In addition, Rite Aid pharmacists across the country will lead customers in helping find a cure for diabetes through Rite Aid's "Walk with a Pharmacist for Diabetes" program. Customers can sign up to walk with or support their local Rite Aid team at all participating stores or by visiting www.diabetes.org/stepout-riteaid. And in November, all stores will sell $1 Step Out To Fight Diabetes pin-ups, with all proceeds going directly to the ADA for diabetes research, information and advocacy initiatives. "This is all part of Rite Aid’s year round commitment to help patients manage and live well with diabetes with special emphasis this time of year because November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Many people have diabetes, or care for someone who does, and it’s important for them to know that they don’t have to manage the disease alone,” said Mark de Bruin, Rite Aid executive vice president of pharmacy. "Rite Aid and the ADA know that awareness and education are the keys to early diagnosis and management, as well as prevention of diabetes and its complications. Together, we offer patients the programs, services and support needed to lead healthier lives.” As a National Strategic Partner, Rite Aid works closely throughout the year with the ADA raising funds and awareness of diabetes. Rite Aid pharmacists are specially trained in diabetes care and are available to work one-on-one with patients to monitor glucose levels, answer questions, give advice on medications and new products and help make successful lifestyle changes. Rite Aid also has a website available year round, www.riteaiddiabetes.com, solely dedicated to diabetes education and awareness. Rite Aid’s diabetes web site includes educational articles, diabetes management product recommendations, frequently asked questions and a section devoted to family and caregivers. A new component of Rite Aid’s year-long Diabetes Awareness Campaign is the 360°/365 Day Diabetes Alliance with multimedia company dLife. Through its partnership with dLife, Rite Aid will provide valuable lifestyle advice to help those who have been diagnosed with diabetes live healthier lives, through special newsletters, "Diabetes Minutes,” airing on Rite Aid’s in-store radio and dLifeTV segments that will be available on www.riteaid.com. The Diabetes Tip Booklet, which customers can pick up at any store, contains simple and smart tips from specially trained Rite Aid pharmacists and dLife on making healthy lifestyle decisions to prevent or control diabetes, including smart food choices, ways to get fit and healthy recipes. It also includes coupon offers on everyday items as well as those geared to patients living with diabetes. To date, Rite Aid has contributed over $1 million directly to the ADA for programs to build awareness and find a cure for diabetes. Rite Aid’s focus on diabetes management is part of its yearlong commitment to patient health and wellness. Each year Rite Aid offers free information, answers and guidance on health and wellness topics including allergy awareness, skin care, pain management, weight management and heart health. Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with annual revenues of more than $27 billion and more than 5,100 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.