No smokes at CVS

Rep. Langevin commends company for “blazing the trail” 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a member of the House’s Health Care Innovation Task Force, issued the following statement in response to the announcement that CVS will no longer sell tobacco products in their retail stores:

“CVS has long been a good corporate citizen and a pillar of the Rhode Island community, and this decision to change their business practice in the interest of public health is yet another example of CVS’s leadership. CVS is dedicated to increasing access to health care, and removing tobacco products from their stores is a step forward in improving health outcomes for their customers.

“With stores in 45 states and the District of Columbia, CVS is the largest pharmacy health care provider in the country. I believe they are blazing the trail for other companies to put profits aside and join the movement to help decrease tobacco use nationwide and improve public health.

“I am proud that this bold move is coming from a Rhode Island-based company, and I know that health care providers here are well-equipped with cessation and counseling programs to help CVS customers and all Rhode Islanders quit smoking and get on the path to a healthier life.”