“We commend CVS Caremark for taking a vitally important step to promote healthy lifestyles in this country, and for putting public health ahead of profits. This is a bold and responsible move by a major retailer, and a significant step in the right direction to improve health.

At this time when we are working so hard to make our health care system more responsive to the needs of women and families, it is wonderful to have CVS Caremark step up in such a powerful way. This is a welcome, concrete step that has the potential to discourage smoking and, in doing so, improve the health and well-being of women and families across this country.

We know that CVS Caremark has long prided itself on promoting health and well-being, and welcome this important step toward achieving this goal.”

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NOTE: Helena B. Foulkes, Executive Vice President of CVS Caremark Corporation and President of CVS/pharmacy, serves on the board of directors of the National Partnership for Women & Families.