Walmart to Host ‘America’s Biggest Health Fair’

Event part of mega-retailer’s renewed commitment to helping customers

October 7, 2015, 11:21 am

As part of its ramped-up commitment to making health care and nutritious food more affordable and available, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will hold what it's dubbed "America’s Biggest Health Fair" on Saturday, Oct. 10. Taking place at more than 4,400 stores nationwide, the event will offer free blood glucose, blood pressure, and vision screenings, product samples, and health insurance information. Additionally, more than 10,000 of Walmart's licensed pharmacists will provide immunizations at select stores.

The company-wide health fair is in line with Walmart's new focus on preventive care and supporting overall well-being across its entire assortment, both in stores and online, through in-store events, online education, and a greater variety of products and services.

"There is one thing we can't put a price on, and that's the health of our customers," noted Michelle Gloeckler, EVP of consumables and health & wellness at Walmart U.S. "We realize we play an important role in making health care available to millions and helping millions put healthy meals on the table. This is a responsibility we take seriously. From managing diabetes to running your first 5K and simply putting a healthy dinner on the table, we're equipping our customers with solutions for total health management which spans from nutrition, fitness, preventative care and treatment."

As the only U.S. retailer to operate its own pharmacies, vision centers and care clinics, Walmart already provides a comprehensive range of preventive and wellness products across its stores. Over the past year, the company has added thousands of wellness products, and plans to expand in such areas as durable medical equipment, specialty prescriptions and active nutrition.

Further, for the second year, Walmart is working with DirectHealth.com to help customers identify their health insurance needs, compare coverage options and enroll in the best plan for them. The customer open-enrollment program, Healthcare Begins Here, will be available from Oct. 15, 2015 through Jan. 31, 2016, at more than 2,400 Walmart stores, online and via phone.

Walmart operates 11,508 stores under 65 banners in 28 countries, and e-commerce websites in 11 countries.