September 16th- September 27th, customers can visit select Alabama-based Walgreens locations to learn more about sarcoidosis. Walgreens is a pharmacy and retail leader who plays a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system by providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services, including those that drive equitable access to care for the nation’s medically underserved populations.
FSR is proud to also partner with our Alabama-based FSR – Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance (FSR-GSCA) member clinic, University of Alabama – Birmingham (UAB), along with our local FSR– GSCA Volunteer Leaders who will be helping share information and education about sarcoidosis to Walgreens customers. During this campaign, visitors to the 95 participating Walgreens locations in Alabama will have the opportunity to learn about how sarcoidosis significantly impacts people’s lives through profiles of patients which will be on display at the registers.
For those who live in Alabama, show support by visiting the participating Walgreens locations and by donating in $1, $5, $10 increments at checkout registers. If you don’t live in the Alabama area, please donate by clicking the button below. Every dollar raised will help FSR advance research for a cure and provide support to the approximately 175,000 individuals in the U.S. who are living with sarcoidosis.
What is Sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis (pronounced SAR-COY-DOE-SIS) is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas—tiny clumps of inflammatory cells—in one or more organs of the body. When the immune system goes into overdrive and too many of these clumps form, they can interfere with an organ’s structure and function. When left unchecked, chronic inflammation can lead to fibrosis, which is the permanent scarring of organ tissue. This disorder affects the lungs in approximately 90% of cases, but it can affect almost any organ in the body. Despite increasing advances in research, sarcoidosis remains difficult to diagnose with limited treatment options and no known cure.
You can learn more about sarcoidosis symptoms, diagnosis, and how it impacts different organs by visiting the hyperlinked pages above.
September is the start of the vaccination season, making it the perfect time to kick-off this exciting partnership and initiative. Talk to your doctors and meet with your Walgreens pharmacist about the importance of your fall vaccinations for the flu, RSV, Pneumonia, and Covid-19.
Sarcoidosis patients can learn more about the new variant of sarcoidosis and FSR’s recommendations for COVID-19 prevent here.
“FSR is grateful to Walgreens for their dedication to raising awareness and improving the lives of those impacted by sarcoidosis” said Mary McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of FSR. “We are grateful to the 95 stores in Alabama helping to drive improved outcomes for all at risk by raising awareness of sarcoidosis as well as heightening the importance vaccinations play for those living with heart and lung disease during this vaccination season.”
