Walmart announced on Sept. 15, 2026, that it plans to pilot a Health Ambassador associate role over six months at stores serving rural communities in Lexington, Tennessee; Caro, Michigan; Franklin, Virginia; Fort Scott, Kansas; and Searcy, Arkansas. The proof of concept will initially focus on diabetes, weight management and maternal health, with its findings intended to guide Walmart’s development of more accessible and connected health and wellness services.
At each participating store, a trained Walmart pharmacist familiar with the community will serve as the Health Ambassador. The pharmacist will receive dedicated time beyond regular pharmacy-counter duties to discuss customers’ health goals, offer tailored coaching and connect them with relevant Walmart services and community resources. Walmart said the pilot is designed to test whether personalized, continuing support in a familiar retail setting can make health resources more practical and accessible for rural customers.
The company framed the initiative as a response to healthcare provider shortages affecting rural communities. Walmart said approximately 90% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of one of its stores or clubs and that 4,000 Walmart stores are located in medically underserved areas. It views that footprint, together with pharmacists’ existing community relationships, as an opportunity to help customers navigate health and wellness resources where they already shop.
Health Ambassadors may hold scheduled or walk-in coaching sessions and discuss practical steps involving nutrition, movement, sleep and stress management. Depending on individual needs, they may also help customers navigate pharmacy clinical services, immunizations, screenings, vision care, medication support, nutrition resources, pharmacy delivery, Walmart+, digital tools and virtual care available through Walmart’s Better Care Services telehealth marketplace. The role may also include grocery-list planning, discussions about over-the-counter options, educational classes, local events and engagement with organizations serving rural residents.
“Health does not happen in one place, and it rarely fits neatly into a single appointment,” said Emily Aaronson, M.D., M.P.H., chief medical officer, Walmart U.S. “Customers already turn to Walmart for affordable food and everyday essentials, convenient services and pharmacists they know and trust. By giving pharmacists dedicated time to listen, coach and connect customers with relevant support, this pilot will help us learn how a familiar, trusted setting can make health resources more accessible, practical and actionable for people living in rural communities.”
For customers managing diabetes or weight, Walmart said an ambassador could connect food choices, movement, health monitoring, medication and continuing encouragement. New or expectant mothers could receive help identifying nutrition support, food recommendations, self-care products or preventive services. Walmart said the six-month test will assess what works, where customers need more assistance and how the dedicated role can connect different parts of a person’s health journey; its stated goals include bridging gaps in care and improving health outcomes.