As a dedicated CVS customer, I am happy to see that the company has made a commitment to stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products in their stores by October 1, 2014. With its more than 7600 stores nationwide and two in the Monadnock region, CVS is supporting its communities by providing products, convenience, health services, and a feeling of comfort that fulfills its purpose to “Help people on their path to better health.”
Even after 50 years of clear evidence about tobacco’s health risks, tobacco still kills 480 thousand Americans every year. The selling of tobacco products contributes to that number by increasing the places where products are visible and available. Children and teens are especially vulnerable to advertising and would be protected by more limited availability.
Tobacco addiction is a pediatric disease with most future users coming in contact with tobacco before the age of 18. Reducing access and visibility, in ways such as discontinuing the selling of tobacco products in common community locations, will reduce the number of children who start using tobacco products and lessens the temptation for adults who are trying to be tobacco-free.
By not selling tobacco products in such a large, identifiable company, CVS is setting a positive example for others to follow. A few other companies in our area that I know of have led this movement to eliminate tobacco sales like Target (since 1996), and one of my local favorites, the Monadnock Food Co-Op.
On behalf of my fellow health-conscious college students, I would like to say thank you to those who have been catalysts in creating a healthier community and congratulations to CVS for making this step for the good of your customers and communities.
You too can follow in the footsteps of these companies dedicated to health by stopping smoking, refusing to sell products, implementing tobacco-free policies if you are an employer, and by talking to your children. For more information about how you can make a difference or how to quit, call 603-354-6513.
Thank you,
Taylor Loughman
Keene State College Health Science Student
Island St., Keene, NH
Taylor Loughman can be contacted at
taylor.loughman@ksc.keene.edu