DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) and VillageMD are planning to open more than 20 new Village Medical at Walgreens primary care practices in the Dallas area over the next year, the companies said Tuesday.

The first Village Medical at Walgreens location in Dallas opened on Oct. 26 at 5001 Ross Ave., with several more openings to follow in November and December. These openings represent expansion into the fourth major market in Texas, following Houston, El Paso and Austin.

“Dallas residents, and particularly patients who need ongoing care for chronic conditions, will benefit from our coordinated care team model and extended service hours through both in person and virtual visits,” said Dr. Joseph Ventimiglia., a local Village Medical physician. “By teaming up with Walgreens pharmacists, we’re able to better serve patients and streamline their healthcare experience. This is the first time outside of a university medical center that I have been able to work collaboratively with a pharmacist.”

Chronic disease accounts for 75% of Texas health care expenditures, yet many areas lack access to primary care. Texas ranks 47^th in the nation in the number of primary care providers accessible to residents.

Through the Walgreens and VillageMD coordinated care model, patients receive comprehensive primary care from physicians alongside convenient pharmacy services. Village Medical primary care physicians and Walgreens pharmacists work together to provide care for chronic conditions, as well as everyday illnesses and injuries.

“With our integrated care team, Walgreens pharmacists are able to offer more coordinated patient care,” said Rick Fernandez, registered pharmacist and regional health care director for Greater Texas, Walgreens. “Our pharmacists can often have prescriptions ready after doctor’s appointments and ensure individuals have convenient access to medication refills and affordable substitution options.”

Soon, these Village Medical at Walgreens locations in Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex will create more than 748 jobs within the community. Village Medical will employ nearly 340 well-compensated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals.

Walgreens and VillageMD have formed a strategic partnership and the companies are on track to open 1,000 primary care practices by 2027. More than 80 Village Medical at Walgreens practices will be opened by the end of 2021. With more than 50 percent of the practices in medically underserved areas, Village Medical at Walgreens locations will help meet the needs of all people, including those who may not have access to healthcare and are at greater risk of health disparities.

Village Medical at Walgreens locations accept a wide range of health insurance options including Medicare. Patients may access care and support through in-person, at-home and telehealth visits.