DEERFIELD, IL – Walgreens and Take Care Health Systems have launched the Take Care Recovery Plan, an offering of free healthcare services for patients and their families who suffer a job loss and have no health insurance benefits.

Free healthcare services will be available at Take Care Clinics throughout the remainder of 2009.

“Walgreens and Take Care Health Systems will not stand idly by as individuals are forced by the hardships of the economy to choose among basic necessities such as healthcare, housing and food. Quality, accessible and affordable care should be the right of every individual,” said Walgreens President and CEO Gregory D. Wasson. “For that reason, we are announcing the offer of the Take Care Recovery Plan, so that families finding themselves without employment and health insurance benefits aren’t forced to make this tough decision.”

The Take Care Recovery Plan offer applies to most services currently provided at Take Care Clinics, generally priced at $59 and above, including routine treatment of colds, sinus infections, bronchitis, strep throat, seasonal allergies, urinary tract infections, pink eye, dry skin, poison ivy and minor skin infections and burns.

Under the Take Care Recovery Plan, patients can access these services between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Health evaluations, vaccinations, physicals and injection/infusion administration are excluded from the offer.

Quest Diagnostics, a provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, is providing free laboratory testing services to qualified Take Care Clinic patients.

“Walgreens and Take Care Health Systems strongly believe that a family’s healthcare needs should not take a backseat to the economy,” said Hal F. Rosenbluth, president of Walgreens' health and wellness division and chairman of Take Care Health Systems. “Take Care Clinics were founded on the principle of providing patient-focused care and doing all that they can to help every patient in the communities they serve. We consider this opportunity to help current and future Take Care Clinic patients a privilege and believe that Take Care Clinics are well-placed to deliver such peace of mind.”

The Take Care Recovery Plan is not intended as a substitute for COBRA health benefits or any other insurance. Take Care Health Systems encourages patients to plan to the best of their ability for any needed healthcare services outside those offered at the clinics.

“The Take Care Recovery Plan is aimed at helping patients meet their healthcare needs, and we will do our best to help patients and their families navigate their way through an excellent healthcare experience,” said Sandra Ryan, chief nurse practitioner officer for Take Care Health Systems.