NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Duane Reade to Offer Free Mammograms in Underserved Communities in Recognition of Black History Month

Today, beginning at 8:30am, OBHF will have a mobile mammography van on- site to administer free mammogram screenings to any woman over forty-years of age who has not been tested within the last year. The services are free for all women who meet these criteria, especially the uninsured. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling 1-800-564-6868.

Duane Reade and Namaste will also be in attendance to present a check to the Greater NYC Affiliate of Susan G. Komen in support of the Komen Community Challenge "Close The Gap!" initiative which aims to provide all women with access to the quality care that can prevent breast cancer and save lives. Komen Greater NYC recently released a report, "Through the Wrong Door," describing the gaps in public health policies that make breast cancer deadlier for low-income, uninsured and minority women.

Although there have been major changes in the awareness and treatment of breast cancer in the last 25 years, many women still do not take the necessary precautions because of their financial constrictions. This partnership enables women of all socioeconomic groups to receive the care they need and deserve.

"As part of Duane Reade's commitment to serve the health and wellness needs of New Yorkers, we are pleased to partner with Namaste Laboratories and the Greater NYC Affiliate of Susan G. Komen in the effort to help all women receive the treatment that is necessary to prevent and treat breast cancer," said Interim CEO and SVP of Marketing, David D'Arezzo. "We are proud to be a part of the 'Close the Gap' initiative and that we are able to serve New Yorkers in underserved communities."

"We are thankful to have the support of Duane Reade and Namaste Laboratories in our efforts to close the gap in preventive breast health measures throughout the New York metropolitan area," said Michelle Marquez, Interim Executive Director & Director of Development for Komen Greater NYC. "Through our joint efforts, we hope to help educate women while providing them with preventive care, and eventually lower the rate of breast cancer within these communities."

OBHF's mobile mammography van will also be on-site at additional Duane Reade locations during the remainder of Black History Month and into the first week of March to better serve the broad New York community. The van will be open to the public during operating hours at the following stores:

     Wednesday, February 27, 2008 -- Bronx
     1888 Westchester Avenue at White Plains Road
     Parkchester, New York 10472

     Wednesday, March 5, 2008 -- Brooklyn Heights
     386 Fulton Street at the Fulton Mall
     Brooklyn, New York 11201

About Duane Reade

Founded in 1960, Duane Reade is the largest drug store chain in the metropolitanNew York City area, offering a wide variety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, health and beauty care items, cosmetics, greeting cards, photo supplies and photofinishing. As of September 29, 2007, the Company operated 241 stores.

About the GreaterNew York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

The GreaterNew York City Affiliate, Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded in 1990 and has raised over $40 million to date. The organization is unique, disbursing up to 75 percent of its net income to local programs in the five boroughs ofNew York City, on Long Island and in Westchester and Rockland Counties. For more information, please contact Vern Calhoun, Director of Communications at 212-461-6188 or vcalhoun@komennyc.org, or visit the Komen Greater NYC website, www.komennyc.org.

About Namaste Laboratories

Namaste Laboratories, "The makers of Organic Root Stimulator(R)" founded in 1996 by Gary E. Gardner, is a Chicago-based personal care products company that addresses the needs of health-conscious consumers by using natural ingredients to address major hair concerns such as hair loss, damaged hair, thinning and dry, itchy scalp. Scientific research and herbal remedies have helped Namaste take the lead in the natural, therapeutic health and beauty aids industry. The company is dedicated to identifying innovative remedies for healing and renewing the hair, skin and body. More information can be found at www.organicrootstimulator.com.

About Outreach for Breast Health Foundation

Outreach For Breast Health Foundation (OBHF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing breast health education in under-served communities throughout the New York Metropolitan area in cooperation with local community organizations and corporations. OBHF simultaneously coordinates free mobile mammography screening events within these communities to provide access to the essential screening exams. More information can be found at www.theobhf.org.

     Contacts:  Duane Reade Holdings, Inc.
                FD
                Melissa Kahaly
                (212) 850-5600

SOURCE Duane Reade