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Advocate Health Care to Close 47 Illinois Walgreens Clinics, Shifts Focus to Virtual and Community-Based Care

Advocate Health Care has announced that it will cease operations at its 47 Illinois-based clinics located within Walgreens stores, effective February 6. As the largest health system in the Chicago area, Advocate stated that the decision was made "after careful consideration" and aligns with its broader strategy to enhance patient access through alternative care models.

In its statement, Advocate Health Care assured that it is committed to supporting its current clinic employees during this transition. The company will work to find alternative roles for affected staff within its broader healthcare system. The Walgreens-based clinics currently employ one or two medical office assistants per location, alongside clinicians who support virtual care services.

Walgreens' Response and Shift Toward Virtual Healthcare

Walgreens, in an emailed statement, acknowledged the transition and expressed its commitment to ensuring patients continue to have access to convenient healthcare options. The pharmacy giant highlighted its growing virtual healthcare services, offering online doctor visits for a range of conditions.

Through Walgreens Virtual Healthcare, patients in Illinois can consult a doctor or nurse practitioner online, receive a diagnosis, and fill prescriptions as needed. This service covers a variety of common medical issues, including:

• Urgent care needs

• Cough, cold, and sinus infections

• Flu and COVID-19 symptoms

• Pink eye

• Allergy and asthma issues

• Sexual health concerns

Walgreens' Broader Healthcare Strategy

The closure of the Advocate clinics comes as Walgreens reevaluates its own approach to in-store healthcare. The Deerfield-based company is in the midst of a cost-cutting process that includes closing hundreds of pharmacies nationwide. Additionally, Walgreens is reconsidering its partnership with Village Medical, an in-store primary care provider, and is reportedly exploring the possibility of selling its stake in the company.

Advocate’s New Care Model: Virtual and Community-Based Expansion

Advocate Health Care stated that this shift allows the organization to focus on meeting patients where they are, expanding services in ways that align with changing healthcare preferences. The organization plans to enhance its virtual healthcare offerings, providing greater access to care from the comfort of patients' homes.

Beyond virtual services, Advocate is increasing its investment in urgent care and primary care facilities across communities, ensuring patients have multiple access points for in-person medical needs.

Additionally, Advocate is expanding its "Neighborhood Care" initiative, which aims to bring healthcare into trusted community settings such as churches and community centers. These locations are designed to offer accessible and culturally responsive healthcare, particularly in underserved areas.

Investment in Imani Village and the South Side of Chicago

As part of its commitment to expanding community-based care, Advocate is also enhancing its Imani Village outpatient clinic on Chicago’s South Side. The facility, located at 901 E. 95th St., near Chicago State University, will see improvements such as:

• The addition of immediate care services

• More doctors and clinical staff

• Expanded healthcare services

• Increased appointment availability

What This Means for Patients

For patients who previously relied on Advocate Health Care clinics within Walgreens locations, this shift means they will need to seek care through Advocate’s expanded virtual healthcare services, nearby urgent care and primary care locations, or the upcoming Neighborhood Care facilities. Walgreens customers can also access virtual healthcare options directly through the pharmacy chain’s online platform.

While this transition marks a significant change in how Advocate delivers care, the organization emphasized that the move is intended to enhance convenience and accessibility by meeting patients where they are—whether through digital platforms, neighborhood-based clinics, or urgent care centers.