During this time of record-breaking unemployment and with the number of uninsured people rising daily—it’s noteworthy that there are companies which are opting to do the “right” thing. They are helping ease the health care burden of many Americans who are unemployed and uninsured.

Walgreens and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Take Care Health Systems, are a prime example. On March 31, Walgreens announced that, for the remainder of 2009, it was offering free health care through Take Care Clinics located inside its drugstores to the unemployed and uninsured.

Open seven days a week, the walk-in clinics can treat acute conditions, typical illnesses and injuries. Generally, visits at Take Care Clinics can cost a patient anywhere from $59 and $74—a sum that may not be affordable for many unemployed Americans who have given up their health care insurance in order to afford basic necessities, such as food and housing.

Businesses are not immune to today’s difficult economic times. Nevertheless, Walgreens is taking a bold step and doing something positive for their customers and society. But are they getting good PR, too?

Absolutely! Walgreens has successfully established a reputation as a company that not only cares, but is acting upon its compassion and being a good corporate citizen. As it helps its customers in their time of need, it is gaining loyal customers.

And, that is not all Walgreens is gaining. There is a huge value in the additional “foot traffic” the Take Care Clinics provide to Walgreens drugstores. Picture this: a patient takes advantage of the free health care service offered by the clinic. They get a prescription—which they can conveniently have filled at the onsite pharmacy—and while they wait, can pick-up other necessities, such as milk or toothpaste. Its one-stop for customers and for Walgreens, which gets two-thirds of its annual revenue from its pharmacies, it helps keep customers in their stores.

Other companies are adapting the Walgreens concept. Flairs Cleaners is offering complimentary dry cleaning to the unemployed and several Gold’s Gym’s have made their facilities available for unemployed individuals to work out for free during off-peak hours.

It’s a true win-win situation: the companies’ altruism helps people in need, while providing the company with the opportunity to get a customer for life. And, they can leverage their corporate generosity and turn it into an excellent PR opportunity!!!

For more information, check out Fast Company, “Why Walgreens Is Building Its Own Universal Health-Care System.”

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