To the editor:
The Power of Prevention, Healthy Maine Partnership applauds CVS Caremark for its decision to stop the sale of tobacco products in its retail stores by Oct. 1, 2014. CVS sets a high bar for other industries and companies, showing courage and a commitment to prioritizing the health of its customers.
Americans lead the world in medical research and medical care. There is no doubt that tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Tobacco is also the only legal substance that, when used as intended, kills 6.3 million people per year.
Scientists have found that conditions in which we live and work have an enormous impact on our health, long before we ever see a doctor. It’s time we expand the way we think about health to include how to create it and keep it, not just how to get it back.
The Power of Prevention has a long history of working to protect Aroostook children, families and individuals from the dangers of tobacco and associated behaviors. CVS’s decision underscores the critical role of practices and policies in moving health forward. Retail taxes, smoke-free spaces, and decreasing access to retail tobacco products have all proven instrumental in reducing the number of tobacco users around the world.
We challenge other Aroostook retailers to join CVS and QUIT 4 GOOD 10/1/14!
For more information contact the Power of Prevention, HMP at 207-834-2003 or the Maine Tobacco Help Line at 1-800-207-1230.
Julie Daigle,
Power of Prevention
