AACP

AACP Commends CVS Decision to Discontinue Selling Tobacco Products 

Association urges all pharmacies to ban tobacco. 

Alexandria, Va. – The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy applauds the decision by CVS/pharmacy to 

discontinue the sale of all tobacco products in more than 7,600 U.S. stores by October 1, 2014. 

Based on policy adopted by the AACP House of Delegates in 2003, AACP urges pharmacies that sell cigarettes and other 

tobacco products to discontinue doing so. In addition, AACP policy supports member colleges and schools giving 

preference to pharmacies that do not sell these products as sites for clerkships and experiential learning. 

“Our member schools educate pharmacists as health care professionals who provide wellness services, medication 

management and education to millions of consumers,” said Lucinda M. Maine, AACP Executive Vice President and CEO. 

“We are committed to encouraging healthy lifestyle choices and discouraging the use of harmful products, and we 

commend CVS for its bold decision to forego tobacco sales in order to emphasize health and wellness.” 

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, resulting in more than 480,000 

deaths each year. Despite this, an estimated 43.8 million Americas still smoke. Larry J. Merlo, president and CEO of CVS 

Caremark stated, “Ending the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products at CVS/pharmacy is the right thing for us to do for 

our customers and our company to help people on their path to better health. Put simply, the sale of tobacco products 

is inconsistent with our purpose.” 

Pharmacists are also trained in smoking cessation techniques and treatment options. They can advise consumers on 

product choices, how they work and possible adverse effects – and they can provide coaching options to increase 

positive outcomes. 

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About AACP 

Founded in 1900, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy is a national organization representing the interests 

of pharmacy education and educators. AACP is comprised of all accredited colleges and schools of pharmacy with 

pharmacy degree programs, including more than 6,400 faculty, 62,500 students enrolled in professional programs, and 

5,100 individuals pursuing graduate study. To learn more about AACP, visit www.aacp.org.