Deerfield, Ill. After a few years of quietly growing its home care business, Walgreens Health Initiatives has declared its intentions: "Our goal is to be a one-stop provider of home care services," said Ron Allen, vice president of home care services. "We're continuing to achieve aggressive growth in target markets through both strategic acquisitions and internal development."

In mid-June, Walgreens opened a Phoenix location offering home infusion therapy, home respiratory services and home medical equipment. Another location will open later this summer in Pompano Beach, Fla., said Ed Nosal, director of home care development. "We want to be a nationally recognized regional player," he said. "Right now, we're primarily in the Midwest and the West, but we expect to extend beyond that."

Walgreens extensive managed care experience sets it apart from competitors, Nosal said. Currently, the company intends to offer a full spectrum of home care services, rather than specialize in a particular area.

Walgreens already has home care locations in Greenfield, Wis.; Elmhurst, Ill.; Schererville, Ind.; Phoenix; Albuquerque, N.M.; and four retail HME locations in the Chicago area.