Walgreens, FSR unite in Alabama for Sarcoidosis Awareness Month
Partnership also seeks to highlight the importance of spring respiratory vaccines
Walgreens and the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) have renewed their partnership to raise awareness about sarcoidosis and the importance of spring respiratory vaccines, as part of this April’s Sarcoidosis Awareness Month.
Until the end of the month, all Alabama-based Walgreens stores will provide informational resources to their customers, who can learn about the disease and how it affects individuals within their community through displayed patient profiles.
Moreover, customers may contribute to FSR’s mission by donating $1, $5, or $10 increments at checkout registers. FSR’s goal is to help improve treatments and care for people with sarcoidosis, through research, education, and support, to ultimately find a cure for the disease.
“This year, more than ever, we are ‘saying sarcoidosis’ to raise awareness in healthcare and in the community amongst our partner locations at Walgreens,” said Joseph Barney, MD, a pulmonologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Medicine, in a foundation press release. “It is time for everyone to know who is affected by sarcoidosis and how they can get help.”
Walgreens pharmacy and retail stores provide a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services, including those allowing equitable access to care for medically underserved populations.
Fostering awareness, raising funds for research, programs
“Through this partnership, we aim to foster greater understanding of sarcoidosis while raising vital funds to drive research and support initiatives that enhance the lives of those affected by this complex disease,” said Mary McGowan, FSR’s CEO.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Walgreens once again to shine a spotlight on sarcoidosis, the importance of spring vaccines, and to extend our reach within Alabama communities,” she said.
Sarcoidosis is caused by an overactive immune system that leads to chronic inflammation and the formation of small immune cell clumps, called granulomas, in some tissues and organs. Currently, the disease remains difficult to diagnose, and treatment options are limited to managing disease symptoms.
To improve sarcoidosis diagnosis and treatment, FSR created the FSR Global Sarcoidosis Clinic Alliance, a program that joins clinics, hospitals, individual providers, patients, and caregivers, to offer community education and support, as well as comprehensive evidence-based care for people with sarcoidosis. The UAB is a founding member of the alliance.
Moreover, through its partnership with Walgreens, FSR wants to remind patients whose lungs and hearts are affected to discuss vaccinations with their doctors, including vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus and pneumonia. Although sarcoidosis can affect any organ, the lungs are affected in nearly 90% of sarcoidosis patients.
Respiratory syncytial virus is a common virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, in young children, older adults, or immunocompromised patients such as those with sarcoidosis, it may cause more severe infections.
Pneumonia is also a respiratory infection, and of concern for sarcoidosis patients. It is commonly caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, and mainly affects the upper respiratory tract and the lungs.
About the Author
