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As part of a commitment to accelerate the end of AIDS, Walmart Inc. is launching four new HIV-focused specialty pharmacies, two of which will be located in New Jersey.

The first location in the Northeast – at Walmart’s newly remodeled North Bergen supercenter – is scheduled to open Jan. 13, followed by one at the North Brunswick store during the first quarter of 2023.

Last year, Walmart launched its first three specialty pharmacies of the community as a way to help customers with all aspects of care, including clinical programs, pharmacy services provided by HIV-trained specialists, enhanced care coordination, healthy lifestyle recommendations and emotional support services.

Following a successful pilot at two stores in Georgia and one in Florida, Walmart announced plans to expand its network of SPOCs to support other areas of the country most impacted by HIV.

In addition to North Bergen and North Brunswick, Walmart will add HIV-focused SPOCs in Monticello, N.Y., and Hartford, Conn.

In an update last month on the initiative’s progress, Kevin Host, senior vice president of Walmart Health & Wellness, shared, “These SPOCs are making a difference in the lives of our patients. We hear stories every day of the care our pharmacists take to understand a patient’s needs and help them through their HIV journey… And it’s not just our SPOC teams who are focused on this important patient population. We’ve also heard from Walmart pharmacists across the country say they want additional training and certifications to support their communities facing this epidemic.”

In addition, Walmart is launching a nationwide HIV Prevention + Treatment continuing education pharmacist and provider training program. In partnership with the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the retailer is making the program available to all Walmart pharmacists and Walmart Health team members.

“The program, designed by Duke University, will equip pharmacists and clinicians to support patients with or at risk of HIV through clinical and culturally relevant education to enable compassionate care that can overcome stigma and social barriers,” said Host.

Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, is also a founding member of the U.S. Business Action to End HIV, a coalition of companies formed to boost public-private partnerships to end HIV in the U.S. by 2030.

Despite progress in HIV screening, reduced stigma and new therapies that prevent disease transmission and improve life expectancy, about half of the 1.2 million people living with HIV in the U.S. are not on regular treatment, according to the coalition.

Host said, “At Walmart, we want to change that with access to education, services and resources. With more than 4,600 pharmacies in the U.S. and 90% of the U.S. popular located within 10 miles of a Walmart, we have an opportunity to reach people who might not otherwise have access or seek out HIV care.”

The event in North Bergen is part of the store’s grand re-opening celebration, highlighting improvements designed to make shopping easier and more enjoyable for customers.

The two-day festivities will feature product sampling, cooking demonstrations, entertainment by a DJ, a 360-degree photo book and local food trucks.

There will also be free, confidential HIV screenings from the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, as well as recognition of local charities including National Kidney Foundation, Hispanic Reformed Church, Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue, North Bergen Police Department, Koenig Childhood Cancer Foundation and Hoboken Family Foundation, Inc.

The event also coincides with Walmart Wellness Day, an ongoing initiative that offers customers free glucose, cholesterol, body mass index and blood pressure screenings, as well as affordable immunizations like COVID-19, flu, tetanus, hepatitis and HPV.

Altogether, more than 4,6000 Walmart pharmacies across the U.S. will host Walmart Wellness Day events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 14., including the retailer’s stores in New Jersey. Click here to find a participating location. 

Additionally, select stores will offer giveaways and demonstrations of nutrition, lifestyle and wellness products.