CVS Health committing $5M to launch program to reduce tobacco use

THE CVS Health Foundation is committing $5 million to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids over five years to launch a grant program to help the next generation reduce tobacco use.
THE CVS Health Foundation is committing $5 million to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids over five years to launch a grant program to help the next generation reduce tobacco use.

WOONSOCKET – On the anniversary of its first year quitting the sale of tobacco products at CVS pharmacies, the CVS Health Foundation announced Thursday it is committing $5 million over five years to launch a grant program to help the next generation reduce tobacco use.
The commitment to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids enables the campaign to launch the new grant program, “Making the Next Generation Tobacco-Free.” Through this program, the Foundation will partner with the campaign to fund grants for organizations that are implementing public health strategies to reduce youth tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.
On March 18, known as Kick Butts Day, the first grant recipients will be announced. Kick Butts Day is the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids’ day of activism. The intent is to empower youth to stand out, speak up and mobilize their communities on youth tobacco issues.
“The CVS Health Foundation is committed to helping people lead tobacco-free lives and working toward the goal of making the next generation tobacco-free,” said Eileen Howard Boone, Foundation president. “We are proud to partner with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the leaders in youth tobacco awareness, prevention and advocacy … to empower youth and provide them with the resources needed to reduce tobacco use among young people.”
The grant initiative will support programs that help to reduce youth tobacco use, especially among at-risk populations, educate the public about the problem of and solutions to youth tobacco use in local communities and increase youth engagement in tobacco prevention activities.
Feb. 5 marks the one-year anniversary of CVS Health’s announcement that it would stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products at its more than 7,800 CVS/pharmacy locations.
Matthew L. Myers, president of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, hailed the grant-making partnership as a way to raise awareness for this “shared vision” as well as promote tobacco free behavior.

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