NEW: Tobacco Free RI Applauds CVS for Decision to Quit Tobacco
GoLocalProv News Team
NEW: Tobacco Free RI Applauds CVS for Decision to Quit Tobacco
CVS Caremark (NYSE: CVS) announced today that it will stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products at its more than 7,600 CVS/pharmacy stores across the U.S. by October 1, 2014, making CVS/pharmacy the first national pharmacy chain to take this step in support of the health and well-being of its patients and customers.
"Ending the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products at CVS/pharmacy is the right thing for us to do for our customers and our company to help people on their path to better health," said Larry J. Merlo, President and CEO, CVS Caremark. "Put simply, the sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTForbes reported today that the decision by the "public-health-mindedness will cost CVS billions – literally. The company sales $2 billion in sales will be shaved off its $125 billion top line."
Tobacco Free Rhode Island Lauds Move
“Tobacco Free Rhode Island applauds CVS for its decision to quit tobacco,” said Karina Holyoak Wood, director, Tobacco Free Rhode Island. “We are especially proud that a Rhode Island-based company is the first national drug store chain to go tobacco-free, setting a new standard for health.
“This decision makes good sense, because pharmacies are where people go for medicine and health care advice. It is illogical and counter-productive to health that pharmacies also sell cigarettes — items that, when used exactly as directed, kill more than 400,000 Americans every year,” continued Wood.
“The sale of both tobacco products and the medicines used to treat tobacco-related illnesses like asthma, emphysema, heart disease and cancer, in pharmacies has long presented a troubling conflict of interest. And the wall displays of cigarettes behind the counter right next to displays of smoking cessation medicines and therapies like the nicotine patch and Chantix, send mixed messages to customers, especially impressionable youth, and make it harder for smokers to quit.
“By going tobacco-free, CVS is leading the way for drug stores and pharmacies nationwide to fully embrace their role as centers of health and wellness. Today is a great day for CVS and a great day for public health,” said Wood.
New England's Healthiest States 2013
6. Rhode Island
Overall Rank: 19
Outcomes Rank: 30
Determinants Rank: 13
Diabetes Rank: 26
Smoking Rank: 14
Obesity Rank: 13
Strengths:
1. Low prevalence of obesity
2. High immunization coverage among adolescents
3. Ready availability of primary care physicians
Challenges:
1.High rate of drug deaths
2. High rate of preventable hospitalizations
3. Large disparity in heath status by educational attainment
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/RI
5. Maine
Overall Rank: 16
Outcomes Rank: 25
Determinants Rank: 12
Diabetes Rank: 23
Smoking Rank: 29
Obesity Rank: 28
Strengths:
1. Low violent crime rate
2. Low percentage of uninsured population
3. Low prevalence of low birthweight
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2.High rate of cancer deaths
3. Limited availability of dentists
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/ME
4. Connecticut
Overall Rank: 7
Outcomes Rank: 15
Determinants Rank: 4
Diabetes Rank: 16
Smoking Rank: 4
Obesity Rank: 12
Strengths:
1. Low prevalence of smoking
2. Low incidence of infectious diseases
3. High immunization coverage among children & adolescents
Challenges:
1. Moderate prevalence of binge drinking
2. Low high school graduation rate
3. Large disparity in health status by educational attainment
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/CT
3. New Hampshire
Overall Rank: 5
Outcomes Rank: 7
Determinants Rank: 5
Diabetes Rank: 16
Smoking Rank: 11
Obesity Rank: 22
Strengths:
1. Low percentage of children in poverty
2. High immunization coverage among children
3. Low infant mortality rate
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2.High incidence of pertussis infections
3. Low per capita public health funding
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/NH
2. Massachusetts
Overall Rank: 4
Outcomes Rank: 14
Determinants Rank: 3
Diabetes Rank: 10
Smoking Rank: 7
Obesity Rank: 2
Strengths:
1. Low prevalence of obesity
2. Low percentage of uninsured population
3. Ready availability of primary care physicians & dentists
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2. High rate of preventable hospitalizations
3. Large disparity in health status by educational attainment
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/MA
1. Vermont
Overall Rank: 2
Outcomes Rank: 12
Determinants Rank: 1
Diabetes Rank: 4
Smoking Rank: 9
Obesity Rank: 5
Strengths:
1. High rate of high school graduation
2. Low violent crime rate
3. Low percentage of uninsured population
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2. Low immunization coverage among children
3. High incidence of pertussis infections
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/VT
