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WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health announced a pledge to contribute a minimum of $10 million to the American Cancer Society through in-store fundraising over the next three years and to serve as the official retail pharmacy partner of the nation’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer.
The new funding will be raised to support cancer patient services programs, breakthrough research, and cancer prevention efforts, including tobacco control. According to the American Cancer Society, almost 30% of cancer deaths this year will be caused by cigarette smoking.
“Through our new commitment to the American Cancer Society, we will help to support more cancer survivors and reduce the number of cancer deaths, including those related to smoking,” said Dr. Troy Brennan, executive vice president and chief medical officer, CVS Health. “We are pleased to be extending our relationship with a best-in-class cancer organization, which shares our purpose of helping people on their path to better health.”
CVS Pharmacy customers can join in the company’s efforts and honor and support those affected by cancer by donating to the American Cancer Society at the register at 8,000 CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide or online at cancer.org/cvsdonate from August 5 to 25, 2018. The new philanthropic investment will directly support the American Cancer Society’s breakthrough cancer research, free rides to treatments, free lodging near hospitals and a 24/7 live cancer helpline, as well as build on the two organizations’ efforts to help more people lead tobacco-free lives.
“The American Cancer Society is dedicated to leading the fight against cancer, including helping people quit smoking or never starting in the first place,” said Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical and scientific officer of the American Cancer Society. “Recognizing that cigarette smoking is a leading cause of cancer, CVS Pharmacy has removed tobacco products from their shelves and is committed to delivering the first tobacco-free generation. That’s why the American Cancer Society is proud to partner with CVS Health.”
CVS Health and the American Cancer Society are also working together to identify opportunities along a patient’s cancer journey to increase access to health products and services.
CVS Health’s latest commitment to the American Cancer Society builds on a longstanding partnership with the organization that includes providing tobacco-control expertise and support to the company’s Be The First initiative. Be The First is CVS Health’s five-year, $50 million commitment to help deliver the first tobacco-free generation. To date, the CVS Health Foundation and the American Cancer Society have helped clear the air for more than 1 million students through grants that help colleges and universities advocate for, adopt and implement 100 percent smoke- and tobacco-free campus policies. The two organizations will be announcing additional grants to major academic institutions across the country later this year.
