WOONSOCKET, R.I., May 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health
(NYSE: CVS) today announced the launch of the second annual LUNG
FORCE in-store fundraising campaign at all CVS/pharmacy locations
and online, as part of the company's ongoing partnership with the
American Lung Association. From now through May 23, CVS/pharmacy customers can contribute to
the fight against lung cancer when they donate $1, $3, or more to
the American Lung Association's LUNG FORCE initiative at the
register or online at www.cvs.com/lung (all proceeds will support
the movement).
CVS Health is the national presenting sponsor of LUNG FORCE, an
initiative to make lung cancer a public health priority, drive
policy change and increase research funding. Funds raised through
the in-store campaign will support health education and critical
research that will lead to better treatment options and improved
methods of early detection. Last year, CVS/pharmacy colleagues and
customers helped to raise more than $3.6
million for LUNG FORCE in the campaign's first year. In the
last 37 years, the rate of new lung cancer cases has nearly doubled
among women. Through nationwide efforts, LUNG FORCE works to change
people's perceptions about what it means to have lung cancer so
that everyone understands the risks.
"Every five minutes, a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with lung
cancer. Through the support we have received from CVS Health, its
colleagues and its customers, we've been able to make a significant
impact in helping to raise awareness of the number one cancer
killer of women – lung cancer," said Harold
Wimmer, National President and CEO, American Lung
Association. "Through the LUNG FORCE in-store campaign, we are
educating Americans about the dangers of lung cancer and helping to
make it a public health priority while raising funds that are
needed to beat this disease."
"An important part of our decision to stop selling tobacco
products was our dedication to helping people on their path to
better health. Our partnership with the American Lung Association's
LUNG FORCE helps us extend that purpose to so many women and their
families," said Helena Foulkes,
President, CVS/pharmacy. "As we kick off the second year of our
LUNG FORCE in-store fundraising campaign, we will continue to make
significant strides in helping women understand the prevalence of
lung cancer and reaffirm our commitment to helping people lead
tobacco-free lives."
In 2014, the American Lung Association announced the findings of
the Women's Lung Health Barometer, a survey of more than 1,000
American adult women, which measured women's knowledge of and views
about lung cancer. The findings demonstrated that women's awareness
of lung cancer's impact is extremely low. Despite being the number
one cancer killer of women, only one percent of women cite lung
cancer as a cancer that is top-of-mind. The Barometer also revealed
78 percent of women are not aware that lung cancer has killed more
women than breast cancer since 1987.
Turquoise is the unifying color of the LUNG FORCE campaign.
During National Women's Lung Health Week (May 11–17), CVS Health
colleagues and LUNG FORCE constituents throughout the country will
participate in a "Turquoise Takeover" and wear turquoise to raise
awareness of the campaign. CVS Health colleagues will also engage
in the LUNG FORCE initiative by participating in local events
across the country.
The American Lung Association is the leading organization
working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung
disease through research, education and advocacy. The work of the
American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives:
to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe, to reduce the
burden of lung disease on individuals and their families, and to
eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. To learn
more about the in-store fundraising campaign or to make a donation,
please visit www.cvs.com/lung.
About CVS Health
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation
company helping people on their path to better health. Through its
more than 7,800 retail drugstores, nearly 1,000 walk-in medical
clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with more than 70
million plan members, and expanding specialty pharmacy services,
CVS Health enables people, businesses and communities to manage
health in more affordable, 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
www.cvshealth.com.
Media Contacts:
Erin Shields
Britt, CVS Health
(401) 770-9237
Erin.Britt@cvshealth.com
Eva Pereira, RF|Binder
(781) 559-0424
Eva.Pereira@rfbinder.com
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140905/143585
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cvspharmacy-kicks-off-in-store-fundraising-campaign-to-benefit-american-lung-associations-lung-force-300076326.html
SOURCE CVS Health