The nation’s second-largest drugstore chain, CVS, decided to remove tobacco products from its shelves to help customers’ health.
CVS is the first chain of national pharmacies to take this step. Along with improving their store, they decided to change their name to CVS Health.
“Our name has changed, but our purpose remains the same: helping people on their path to better health,” the company said.
Kevin Dvorak, associate professor in the Division of Humanities, said it’s important for CVS to take tobacco products off their shelves.
“It distinguishes their corporate mission from those of other pharmacies. While it remains to be seen whether or not this will encourage more people to refrain from using tobacco, it will provide CVS Health with a unique position in its industry, which will likely attract a specific population of consumers,” he said.
Selling tobacco just simply didn’t match up with the pharmacy’s delivery of health care. The company said that when teaming up with hospital groups and doctors to help with patient care, the presence of tobacco couldn’t be justified.
Danielle Yokemick, junior communication studies major, said changing their name to match what they represent is the type of leadership we need from major pharmaceutical companies.
“With this change, I have officially stopped making purchases [at other drugstores] to support their dedication to the well-being of customers,” she said.
Ending the sale of tobacco at CVS estimates to an annual loss of $2 billion. In place of cigars and cigarettes, customers will be able to purchase nicotine patches, gum and additional replacement products. CVS will also be offering a smoking cessation program for those who need assistance with their tobacco addiction.
Yokemick said, “Kudos to CVS for being different and losing approximately the billion dollars a year in revenue to squash smoking and hopefully make it a thing of the past.”
Tobacco executives were disappointed by the decision CVS made.
Larry J. Merlo, president and CEO of CVS, said, “We know they understand the paradox that we face as an organization, and they understand the rationale for the decision.”
It remains unclear whether or not other pharmacies will end their sales of tobacco as well.
During a recent interview, Walgreens spokesman Jim Graham said “We have been evaluating this product category for some time to balance the choices our customers expect from us with their ongoing health needs.”
CVS was asked whether they would also ban additional unhealthy products such as candy, potato chips or alcohol. Merlo said these items, in moderation, do not have the same adverse effects as the use of tobacco.
President Barack Obama praised the pharmacy for their stand against tobacco-related deaths, cancer, and heart disease.
“Ultimately, CVS is saving lives and protecting untold numbers of families from pain and heartbreak for years to come,” he said.
As of July 15, 2009, smoking is prohibited on NSU’s campus except at clearly-identified designated smoking sites, which are located at least 50 feet from buildings on campus. NSU also offers a free smoking cessation program for students, employees, their immediate families and the South Florida community. Tobacco cessation programs are offered in two formats: group classes and individual counseling sessions.
Dvorak said a tobacco-free CVS will help NSU students who may have an addiction to a tobacco product.
“Shopping at CVS Health will help students limit their exposure to tobacco products, which will hopefully help them to stop purchasing tobacco products. CVS Health’s message reinforces maintaining a healthy tobacco-free lifestyle,” he said.
While supplies last, those who participate in NSU’s tobacco cessation program are eligible to receive free non-prescription nicotine replacement patches, gum and lozenges.
For information about the cessation program or to schedule an appointment, call 954-262-5860 or email iquitnow@nova.edu.
