AARC Applauds CVS Caremark

February 6, 2014

AARC reached out to the leadership of CVS Caremark to thank them for their bold business decision in removing tobacco products from their stores.

CVS announced today that it will be phasing out all cigarettes and other tobacco products from their stores by Oct. 1, 2014. “The sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose—helping people on their path to better health,” said the company on their website. They are the first national pharmacy chain to end the sale of tobacco.

AARC President George Gaebler immediately wrote a letter of congratulations and support to the CEO and president of CVS. “Our members, respiratory therapists who treat people with lung problems, see this as a major step forward in your commitment to the health and wellness of all.”

It’s a bold move, said Gaebler. “It is not going unnoticed in this year of the 50th anniversary of the first Surgeon General’s report and it gets a standing ovation from our organization and the 150,000 respiratory therapists in this country.”