BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is launching a six-month pilot that will give pharmacists dedicated time to help customers in rural communities navigate health and wellness services.
The retailer’s new Health Ambassador associate role will be piloted at stores serving rural communities in Lexington, Tenn.; Caro, Mich.; Franklin, Va.; Fort Scott, Kan.; and Searcy, Ark., the company said.
At each store, a trained Walmart pharmacist will serve as a Health Ambassador, providing health coaching and connecting customers with services and resources. Those could include immunizations, screenings, vision care, medication support, virtual care, nutrition resources, pharmacy delivery and other digital tools.
“Health does not happen in one place, and it rarely fits neatly into a single appointment,” said Emily Aaronson, M.D., M.P.H., chief medical officer, Walmart U.S. “Customers already turn to Walmart for affordable food and everyday essentials, convenient services and pharmacists they know and trust. By giving pharmacists dedicated time to listen, coach and connect customers with relevant support, this pilot will help us learn how a familiar, trusted setting can make health resources more accessible, practical and actionable for people living in rural communities.”
The pilot will initially focus on diabetes, weight management and maternal health. Health Ambassadors will also have dedicated time for educational classes, local events and connections with organizations serving rural residents.
Walmart said about 90% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Walmart store or club, while 4,000 Walmart stores are located in medically underserved areas.
The company will use findings from the six-month pilot to assess how the Health Ambassador role could help create more accessible and connected health and wellness services.
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