Rite Aid bolsters Wellness Ambassador program with new position

Rite Aid has promoted Karen Staniforth, VP pharmacy for the chain's mid-Atlantic division, to group VP pharmacy initiatives and clinical services.



In the new position, Staniforth will oversee Rite Aid's strategy around the Wellness Ambassadors, specially trained staff who work in its Wellness stores, answering customers' questions about health and wellness products and directing them to the pharmacy as needed. She will report to SVP pharmacy Dan Miller.



"Throughout her career, Karen has garnered critical knowledge and experience across several functional areas of the chained rug industry, making her a true asset to our company," Miller said. "Her valuable insights will guide us as we work to advance our clinical services and Wellness Ambassador programs, helping us highlight the expertise of our more than 11,000 pharmacists and providing superior care and health outcomes for our patients nationwide."



Staniforth started her pharmacy career in 1982 in Johannesburg and became regional sales manager for Novartis Pharmaceuticals in 1991, overseeing retail sales operations for the Swiss drug maker in Cape Town, South Africa. She began working for Rite Aid in 1998 as a graduate pharmacy intern after moving to the United States.



In other news, the company also said Monday that it would offer discounted flu vaccinations in recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week, which runs from Sunday through Dec. 14. Flu shots will be available for $24.99, a $5 discount from the usual price.



"Getting a flu shot is the single best way to protect yourself and those around you from getting the flu," Rite Aid EVP pharmacy Robert Thompson said. "The good news is, it's not too late to get a flu shot, and by lowering the prices of flu shots during National Influenza Vaccination Week, we're hoping to encourage people to get vaccinated and be protected throughout the winter months as flu activity is expected to increase."