Rite Aid donates $100,000 to American Red Cross

HOUSTON and CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid Corp.’s RediClinic subsidiary has reopened 21 of 22 in-store clinics in the greater Houston area that were closed because of Hurricane Harvey.

Though Rite Aid doesn’t have any pharmacies in Texas, RediClinic operates 36 convenient care clinics inside H-E-B supermarkets in Houston, Austin and San Antonio. All Austin and San Antonio RediClinics are open.

RediClinic’s Kingwood location, inside an H-E-B store, is still closed because of the flooding from Harvey.

“As a Houston-based company, we have experienced firsthand the depth of devastation Harvey has caused,” RediClinic chief executive officer Web Golinkin said in a statement. “RediClinic is grateful to all in our community, including our clinicians. We’re ready to do whatever we can to help Houston heal, and we are committed to its full recovery.”

RediClinic said its Kingwood location remains shut due to flooding, and its patients are being directed to the nearby Atascocita clinic until further notice.

The greater Houston area clinics are operating on a modified schedule, from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. RediClinic said clinicians can provide immediate treatment for acute/episodic conditions affecting Houstonians in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, such as upper respiratory conditions and ear infections, as well as administer tetanus vaccinations.

“Over the past several days, Houston witnessed the strength of its people. It’s remarkable how our community has come together to respond to the devastation Harvey inflicted on Houston and the surrounding area,” RediClinic chief operating and marketing officer Danielle Barrera commented. “Our incredibly dedicated associates are no exception. We’re extremely proud of their commitment and grateful for the collective strength of our community.”

Meanwhile, the Rite Aid Foundation has announced a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross to help the victims, families and communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

“While the true impact won’t be known for years to come, it’s clear that Hurricane Harvey will go on record as one of the most devastating storms in U.S. history, forever changing the lives of millions of people across Texas and other affected areas,” stated Rite Aid Foundation president Ken Martindale, who is CEO of stores and president of Rite Aid Corp. “As relief efforts continue and rebuilding begins, The Rite Aid Foundation hopes that this donation to the American Red Cross will help make a difference to those most affected by this devastating storm.”

Making landfall Aug. 25 on the Texas Gulf Coast, Hurricane Harvey was the first major hurricane to strike the continental United States in 12 years. Over a four-day span, many areas — including greater Houston — were deluged with more than 40 inches of rain as the system stagnated in the area before moving toward eastern Texas and Louisiana. The ensuing floods swamped hundreds of thousands of homes, displaced more than 30,000 people and led to over 17,000 rescues. About 60 people have been killed.

“Thanks to the generosity of donors such as The Rite Aid Foundation, the Red Cross is able to respond immediately to disasters like Hurricane Harvey with food, shelter and the necessary humanitarian supplies to ensure people are safe,” according to Don Herring, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We are so grateful for The Rite Aid Foundation’s ongoing support as we work together to provide hope and help to people in need.”