Longs Drug Stores Corp. yesterday said it plans to connect with Microsoft HealthVault, a consumer health platform for sharing information with patients and providers, with a planned launch this fall.

Longs will be one of the first pharmacies to offer consumers this feature, which allows them to access their medication information and, if they choose, share it with others in a security-enhanced environment.

"Longs has long been a supporter of innovative technologies to better serve our patients," said Mike Laddon, Longs' s.v.p. and c.i.o. "Providing access to electronic records and teaming with organizations such as Microsoft serves to empower our patients and we hope, improve their overall health."

HealthVault is the hub of a network of Web sites, personal health devices, and other services that consumers can use to store health information securely in one central place on the Web.

"Connecting the Longs Web site with HealthVault will offer consumers a simple way to track their medications and share that vital information with providers as needed," said Dr. Jim Mault, director, Microsoft Health Solutions Group.

Walnut Creek, Calif.-based, Longs Drug Stores operates more than 500 retail pharmacies.