Dear Editor:

I applaud CVS for ending tobacco sales at its 7,700 retail pharmacies nearly a month ahead of its target date of Oct. 1. There are nearly 300 CVS stores in Indiana with three in Kosciusko County. That is 300 fewer tobacco retailers in Indiana and three less in Kosciusko County!  

CVS has announced that it is launching a smoking cessation campaign to help Americans quit smoking. In addition, CVS Caremark Corporation announced that it is changing its corporate name to CVS Health to reflect its broader health care commitment and expertise.

CVS Health has put into action its mission to help make their communities healthier.  The sell and promotion of tobacco products is counterproductive to endorsing a healthy life style.  We know that the use of tobacco is the number one cause of preventable diseases and death.

This is a great example of taking action that was called for in the 50th Anniversary Surgeon General’s Report, “Let’s Make The Next Generation Tobacco Free”.  

We need all sectors of society to do their part in making the next generation tobacco free. Other retailers should follow CVS Health’s bold example by ending sales of tobacco products.

THANK YOU CVS!!

Dan Gray
Warsaw