(AFRICAN AMERICAN NEWSWIRE)CHICAGO (April 20, 2004) - Walgreen Co. has announced a health and fitness program that will stimulate ongoing interaction and dialogue within the African-American community on children's health, fitness and educational issues. The program, scheduled to launch in the fall of 2004, will be developed and managed by Flowers Communications Group (FCG) of Chicago.

"Since our founding in 1901, Walgreens has recognized the connection between strong communities and good business. We are committed to addressing and meeting the needs of African-American communities," says Craig Sinclair, vice president, advertising for Walgreen Co. "Our goal is to create positive programs within the areas where they are needed most."

Walgreens and FCG will launch the educational and fitness-focused program in Chicago and suburban public schools for minority youth. The initiative will offer health and fitness information with a fun and creative approach, helping to address the serious incidence of childhood obesity. The program also will include an advisory team comprised of teachers, healthcare professionals and fitness experts.

FCG, an award-winning firm, creates and implements quality public relations programs targeting the African-American consumer market. "We are quite proud of our new relationship with Walgreens," says D. Michelle Flowers, CEO of Flowers Communications Group.

"The selection of FCG to execute this important healthcare initiative, which addresses a problem that disproportionately affects so many African-American children, demonstrates that Walgreens is committed to programming that reaches and respects the black community, which has long been our arena of expertise."

Walgreen Co. is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2003 sales of $32.5 billion. The company operates 4,336 stores in 44 states and Puerto Rico, in addition to Walgreens Health Initiatives, which provides pharmacy benefits management, mail service prescriptions and other clinical services.

Flowers Communications Group (FCG) ranks as one of the largest African American-owned public relations firms in the Midwest. Founded in 1991 by public relations veteran, D. Michelle Flowers, the agency offers services in public relations, integrated marketing, promotions and advertising. FCG develops creative, impactful marketing campaigns that reach and respect African-American consumers in the country's top 20 urban markets. The agency's work for Fortune 100 companies, major consumer brands and government entities has earned numerous local and national awards for public relations excellence, including two Silver Anvils from the Public Relations Society of America and three Golden Trumpets from the Publicity Club of Chicago.
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