One year after Walgreens launched its mental health initiative and collaboration with Mental Health America (MHA), data shows nearly 75 percent of visitors to the digital platform who have completed screenings are also taking active steps for follow-up. The Walgreens platform is also helping to reach a broader demographic of consumers interested in mental health resources.

Visitors to the Walgreens mental health answers site (www.walgreens.com/mentalhealth) can readily access a selection of free online screening tools offered through MHA’s website, including those for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and others. An analysis of non-identifiable screening data from the campaign’s first year shows that of visitors who have completed an online screening offered through MHA, those originating from the Walgreens platform are:

  • More likely to want a referral to someone who can help (37 percent vs. 19 percent)
  • More likely to take an anxiety screening (26 percent vs. 11 percent) or PTSD screening (9 percent vs. 3 percent)
  • Walgreens site visitors are also older (47 percent over age 35 vs. 17 percent for MHA) and more likely to be caregivers (29 percent of Walgreens visitors vs. 9 percent for MHA)

“One of our primary objectives when first launching this program was to help meet the growing need for resources and access to care,” said Harry Leider, M.D., and chief medical officer for Walgreens. “We’re proud to know that the tools and services we’re offering, along with Mental Health America and its community based resources and screening program, are enabling more people to seek answers or help. We look forward to finding more ways to work together, and with other providers and partners to address the many challenges facing both patients and our mental health system today.”

Of the nearly 75 percent of Walgreens visitors who have taken active steps after completing MHA screenings, more than 30 percent say they found treatment, 1-in-4 (24 percent) discussed their results with family, friends or a healthcare professional, and approximately 20 percent have sought additional information.

“Mental Health America is pleased to be working with Walgreens on this important initiative,” said Paul Gionfriddo, president and CEO, Mental Health America. “Our online screening program is often a critical first step for people who have mental health concerns, and because of this collaboration, we’ve seen a more diversified group of visitors to our site, including older generations and caregivers, as well as people who have had a prior mental health diagnosis.”

MHA to add Walgreens Pharmacy Chat to website

Visitors to MHA’s website will soon have easy access to Walgreens pharmacists 24/7 for assistance with medication-related questions or concerns. Walgreens Pharmacy Chat, which offers online access to Walgreens pharmacy staff for secure, 1-on-1 chats, will be available via hyperlink on www.mentalhealthamerica.net this summer.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation's largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.