GSK Consumer Healthcare, CVS Health join forces to support ALA stop-smoking initiative

WARREN, N.J. — In support of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, GSK Consumer Healthcare, CVS Health and the American Lung Association's Lung Force are joining together to help people quit smoking and raise awareness of lung cancer. For every box of Nicorette or NicoDerm CQ purchased at a CVS Pharmacy throughout November, GSK Consumer Healthcare will donate $1 to the American Lung Association's Lung Force (up to $100,000).



"CVS Health is proud to partner with the American Lung Association and GSK to fight against lung cancer and provide people with the help they need to quit smoking," stated Eileen Howard Boone, senior vice president, corporate social responsibility and philanthropy, CVS Health. "We know it can take seven or more tries to quit and as a company that is committed to helping people on their path to better health, we want to provide the support needed and increase awareness of this deadly disease."



"GSK Consumer Healthcare is proud to partner with CVS Health this Lung Cancer Awareness Month to support the American Lung Association and to further our commitment to helping smokers create a successful quit plan," added James Masterson, marketing director, Smokers' Health, GSK Consumer Healthcare. "We know quitting smoking is not easy, but we encourage smokers to take the first step towards a smoke-free life with the help of Nicorette and NicoDerm CQ and the proper support."



The partnership aims to educate smokers on the importance of quitting smoking with the help of nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral support. Research shows that quitting cold turkey doesn't work for many smokers – in fact, only 3% to 5% of smokers who attempt to quit without support are successful.



CVS MinuteClinic offers a smoking cessation program, which includes a 1-on-1 consultation with a practitioner, an individualized smoking cessation plan and education based on a patient's needs and goals, as well as ongoing coaching and support in their efforts to quit smoking.



"Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women and men in the United States, and quitting smoking is the best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer," commented Harold Wimmer, national president and CEO American Lung Association. "We are thankful to GSK Consumer Healthcare for its support of our Lung Force initiative that is leading the way for better lung cancer prevention, early detection and treatments."