CVS Caremark announced Wednesday that it’s kicking it’s most unhealthy habit and giving up smoking. The drug retailing conglomerate made it known that it would stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products at its more than 7,000 chains nationwide by October 1, 2014.
According to CVS, giving up tobacco would make it “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 Merlo, president and CEO of CVS Caremark, in a statement. “Put simply, the sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose.”
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that smoking is the cause of approximately 440,000 deaths annually; 49,400 deaths per year from secondhand smoke; 269,655 deaths annually among men and 173,940 deaths annually among women. It also happens to be a rather disgusting habit.
CVS will also do its part to proactively help those hooked on cigarettes quit by launching a program set to include “information and treatment on smoking cessation at CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic along with online resources.”
“Every day, all across the country, customers and patients place their trust in our 26,000 pharmacists and nurse practitioners to serve their health care needs,” commented Helena Foulkes, president of CVS/pharmacy, in a statement. “Removing tobacco products from our stores is an important step in helping Americans to quit smoking and get healthy.”
Interestingly, CVS isn’t worried about the impact its lacking tobacco sales will have on its overall revenue. The company notes that it stands to lose “approximately $2 billion in revenues on an annual basis from the tobacco shopper,” but has “identified incremental opportunities that are expected to offset the profitability impact.” They did not specify what these opportunities are, but have made it abundantly clear that cigarette and tobacco sales are in stark and direct contrast to what they feel are their responsibilities as a pharmaceutical and healthcare provider.
I feel like I’m in that Mad Men episode where Don Draper loses Lucky Strike and takes out a full-page ad in the New York Times explaining why he won’t carry a cigarette corporation anymore. Now, if only the Commonwealth of Massachusetts would follow Draper’s and CVS’s lead.
Boston, in particular, already has. In December, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department voted unanimously to disallow the smoking of cigarettes, tobacco, marijuana, and other lighted or vaporized substances in parks and public spaces operated by the city. The prohibition was the brainchild of former Mayor Tom Menino, who put forth the ban in front of the Boston City Council in September, 2013. And while some may cry foul, in that the Mayor and Department trampled on the individual liberties of Boston citizens, it was all done with their best intentions at heart.
“This amendment is necessary to maintain the health and safety of our public parks and ensure that these valuable resources can be enjoyed by all Boston residents,” said Mayor Menino in a letter last year.
Currently, Massachusetts generates some $944.8 million in tobacco revenue while only spending $4 million on tobacco prevention initiatives. The CDC recommends further that Massachusetts spend $90 million.
