Walmart will test a Health Ambassador position over the next six months at stores in five rural towns: Lexington, Tennessee; Caro, Michigan; Franklin, Virginia; Fort Scott, Kansas; and Searcy, Arkansas.

Under the program, trained Walmart pharmacists will receive dedicated time away from traditional pharmacy-counter duties to meet with customers, discuss health goals and connect them with services and resources. The pilot represents another effort by Walmart to leverage its large store and pharmacy network to expand its role in health care, particularly in areas where access to providers can be limited.

The scale behind the test is considerable. Walmart said approximately 90% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of one of its stores or Sam's Club locations, while about 4,000 Walmart stores sit in medically underserved areas.

"Health does not happen in one place, and it rarely fits neatly into a single appointment," said Dr. Emily Aaronson, chief medical officer for Walmart U.S. "Customers already turn to Walmart for affordable food and everyday essentials, convenient services and pharmacists they know and trust."

Aaronson said the company wants to determine whether giving pharmacists more time to work directly with customers can make health resources easier to access in rural communities.

Health Ambassadors will provide in-person conversations and individualized coaching on nutrition, physical activity, sleep and stress management. They will also help customers navigate health-related services available through Walmart, including clinical pharmacy services, immunizations, screenings, vision care, medication assistance, virtual care, nutrition resources and pharmacy delivery.

The program ties Walmart's grocery business directly to its health services. Health Ambassadors could help customers identify healthier food alternatives or develop grocery lists based on their health goals.

Pharmacists in the program could meet with customers during scheduled or walk-in coaching sessions, discuss over-the-counter products and help determine an appropriate next step for additional services. They will also have time dedicated to community outreach, including educational programs, local events and working with organizations serving rural residents.

The initial pilot will concentrate on three focus areas: diabetes, weight management and maternal health. For customers managing diabetes or trying to lose weight, Walmart said Health Ambassadors could help connect nutrition, physical activity, health monitoring and medication needs. New and expectant mothers could receive assistance finding nutrition resources, food recommendations, self-care products and preventive services.

Walmart positioned the Health Ambassador as a point of contact, rather than requiring customers to independently navigate the various services available through Walmart and other community resources.

The initiative comes as the retailer continues to reshape its health care strategy. Walmart closed its Walmart Health centers and ended its virtual primary care operations in 2024 after determining that the businesses did not have a sustainable model. The company has continued operating its pharmacies and vision centers while expanding other health-related services through its stores and digital platforms.

Walmart said it will use results from the six-month pilot to determine what services rural customers use, where additional assistance is needed and whether the model could play a larger role in connecting customers with health and wellness resources.