CVS Health pharmacies haven’t looked back since pulling tobacco products from their shelves a year ago this month. In addition to sending the message that they value the health of their customers, CVS also gained new customers like me because of the switch.

Selling tobacco products in a pharmacy doesn’t make sense, especially when we know they can lead to an increased risk for heart disease and strokes. I was happy to see CVS make the bold decision to go tobacco-free because it is counter-productive to sell medicines to treat chronic diseases while selling a product that can cause them, such as cigarettes.

One thing I love seeing when I shop at CVS is I’m not bombarded with tobacco advertising. Most of the stores in my neighborhood feature advertisements for products such as e-cigs, blunts as well as traditional cigarettes. Whether it’s a national chain like CVS or a local tobacco-free pharmacy I’ll take the tobacco-free pharmacy over one that sells tobacco products every time.

Thanks again to CVS and all tobacco-free pharmacies for taking their mission to improve health seriously. To learn more about other tobacco-free efforts in Milwaukee visit tobwis.org.

Sincerely,

Kevin Turner

Wisconsin Hispanic Latino Tobacco Prevention Network