Statement of Harold Wimmer, National President and CEO, American Lung Association

CHICAGO, IL (February 5, 2014)—

The American Lung Association applauds CVS Caremark for boldly acting to remove tobacco products at all CVS/pharmacy locations across the U.S.

CVS Caremark is stepping forward to save lives and safeguard the public health of millions of American women, men and youth. The Lung Association commends company leaders for their forward-thinking decision to prioritize the health and well-being of current and future customers and employees and for helping create a tobacco-free generation of youth. We urge more retailers to take note of CVS Caremark's actions and join in efforts to help reduce access to tobacco and tobacco use, and eliminate tobacco-caused deaths and disease.

Fifty years after the release of the first Surgeon General's report that linked smoking with cancer and other diseases, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and illness in the U.S., including lung cancer. Today there are 43.8 million smokers in the country. Tobacco-related diseases, such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), other cancers, heart disease and stroke kill almost half a million Americans each year. Everyone has a stake in reducing tobacco's terrible toll. By working to reduce access to tobacco products, every person and every company can play a role in helping end this toxic threat.

On behalf of the Lung Association's staff and volunteers, I commend CVS Caremark for making a tremendous contribution to the collective fight to make tobacco history.

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About the American Lung Association Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lung.org.