CVS Health Commits $10 Million to American Cancer Society in Support of Cancer Patient Services and Breakthrough Research

Company provides customers with an in-store opportunity to honor and support family and friends affected by cancer

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Aug 02, 2018, 09:12 ET

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Aug. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) today 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 percent 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 Troy Brennan, M.D., 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 -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 Otis W. Brawley, M.D., 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.

About American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to www.cancer.org. The American Cancer Society does not endorse any product or service.

About CVS Health
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its more than 9,800 retail locations, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 94 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, expanding specialty pharmacy services, and a leading stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, the company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.

Media Contacts
Mary Gattuso, CVS Health
[email protected]

Miriam Falco, American Cancer Society
[email protected]

SOURCE CVS Health