Rite Aid Pharmacies Partner with the Skin Cancer Foundation to Offer Comprehensive Sun Safety Program in June and July; Rite Aid Stores Offer Customers Free Sun Safety Information Including Medication's Effect on Skin Sensitivity

Business Wire, June 8, 2006

CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Warm, sunny summer days often mean the fun of baseball games, family picnics, barbeques and swimming - all outdoor activities that could lead to skin damage without the proper protection. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure, yet fewer than 33 percent of children, adolescents and adults regularly use sun protection. To educate the public about healthy skin care and encourage customers to protect their skin, Rite Aid has launched a partnership with The Skin Cancer Foundation, the only global organization solely devoted to preventing, detecting and treating skin cancer.

During June and July, at all Rite Aid stores customers can get a free eleven-page Skin Care Guide with important information on skin protection, skin cancer, photosensitivity and advice on maintaining healthy skin during the summer months. Customers can also get a free Skin Care Fact Finder with tips on skincare and savings on sun protection products at all Rite Aid stores and as always, Rite Aid pharmacists are available to answer healthy skin questions.

The incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is rising faster than that of any other cancer. Protection will help prevent this deadly disease and effective skin protection goes beyond applying sunscreen. Taking certain medications can cause skin to burn more easily, a side effect of some medications called photosensitivity. Some commonly used medications require customers to take additional precautions to avoid sunburn, hives, rashes or other skin irritations. Medication such as antibiotics, including tetracycline; antihistamines, which are used in cold and allergy medicine; birth control pills and oral diabetes medications are associated with photosensitivity.

The healthy skin care initiative is part of Rite Aid's year-round commitment to patient health and wellness, and educates customers on sun protection and how certain medications can cause skin to burn more easily.

"We have partnered with The Skin Cancer Foundation to offer our customers important and helpful information to protect their skin during the summer months," said Mark de Bruin, Rite Aid executive vice president of pharmacy. "Together, we are committed to providing customers with advice that potentially could help them avoid skin cancer and save lives."

Rite Aid's Skin Care initiative is one of the pharmacy chain's comprehensive health programs geared to educating patients on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Other previous initiatives include diabetes awareness, vitamin education, maintaining a healthy heart and allergy awareness.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE, PCX:RAD) is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with annual revenues of $17.3 billion and approximately 3,320 stores in 27 states and the District of Columbia. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company's website at www.riteaid.com.