The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company is launching a free prescription program covering 36 generic antibiotics in nine basic categories. The program will run from Jan. 2 through March 21, 2009, at all of its pharmacies.
"Free antibiotics is the latest good news our pharmacies are offering the public," said Andrea Astrachan, consumer advisor for Stop & Shop. "We also offer up to a 90-day supply on over 350 commonly prescribed generic drugs for $9.99."
The Quincy, Mass.-based company is supporting the program with television advertising, physician outreach, in-store communication and an expanded Web presence for all of its Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, New York and New Jersey stores.
"Stop & Shop pharmacies are committed to improving the health and wellness in our communities during the winter season when families are susceptible to coughs and certain cold-related and bacteria-borne illnesses," said Astrachan. "As the provider of fresh, wholesome foods that help our customers stay healthy, we feel it is equally important to offer these free antibiotics to fight illness."
In recent months Stop & Shop has held "Affordable Food Summits," offered savings programs and expanded its line of corporate brand products against the backdrop of a difficult economy.
According to officials, the wellness initiative focuses on providing access to prescriptions that families generally need.