CVS Health doubles down on preventing drug abuse through two programs

WOONSOCKET, R.I. - CVS Health on Monday expanded its commitment to preventing drug abuse among young people through investments in two prevention education programs.



"As a pharmacy innovation company, we care deeply about preventing drug abuse among young people and we are proud of these unique programs that will make a meaningful difference for so many teens and their families," stated Helena Foulkes, president, CVS Pharmacy. "We have seen tremendous enthusiasm from our CVS pharmacists, who have volunteered to speak to more than 100,000 students about the dangers of prescription drug abuse as part of our Pharmacists Teach program, which will continue into this new school year. And, we are pleased to expand on our abuse prevention efforts with a new program to reach young people digitally through our partnership with DoSomething.org."



The CVS Health Foundation will launch a new partnership with DoSomething.org to create a peer-to-peer prevention and intervention program delivered to young people via text message and online this fall. The text message experience will counter the perception that prescription drugs are safer than illicit drugs, teach behaviors that guard against abuse, prepare young people to confront their peers about abuse and challenge the misconception that prescription drug abuse and misuse is normal. The campaign is designed to reach millions of young people through text, email, social media, youth-focused marketing and PSAs.



CVS Health is also renewing its Pharmacists Teach program, which connects CVS pharmacists to local high school students in their communities to discuss the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Entering its second year, Pharmaists Teach program has already reached more than 100,000 students across the country.