The American Cancer Society is kicking off an in-store fundraising campaign at CVS Pharmacy locations across the country, as part of its national collaboration with CVS Health.
The funds raised will support cancer patient services programs, breakthrough research, and cancer prevention efforts, including tobacco control, the number one cause of cancer.
"We all know someone who has been affected by cancer, some cases of which may have been preventable through increased access to early screenings and detection, education and breakthrough treatments," said Kevin Hourican, executive vice president of CVS Heath, and president of CVS Pharmacy. "Through support of the American Cancer Society, our company and our customers are able to positively impact cancer outcomes, reduce the prevalence of tobacco-related cancer incidences and help more people on their path to better health."
CVS Pharmacy customers can join in the company's efforts and honor and support those affected by cancer by donating to the American Cancer Society at the register at 8,000 CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide or online at cancer.org/cvsdonate from Aug. 4 -24. Funds raised will directly support the American Cancer Society's breakthrough cancer research, free rides to treatments, free lodging near hospitals and a 24/7 live cancer helpline, as well as build on the two organizations' efforts to help more people lead tobacco-free lives.
"One in three people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives and the disease affects all of us in some way," said Richard Wender, chief cancer control officer of the American Cancer Society. "That's why our partnership with CVS Health is so important. Our combined ability to connect with people allows us to do more to attack cancer from every angle, including reducing tobacco use, the leading cause of cancer. CVS Health and their customers' support allow the American Cancer Society to deliver critical patient first programs and breakthrough research. We deeply appreciate the generosity of this work and partnership."
This year, CVS Pharmacy customers can also support the American Cancer Society by purchasing a Hallmark greeting card. For every Hallmark card purchased from Aug. 4-24, $1 will go to the American Cancer Society, up to $50,000. Shoppers will also find an exclusive line of cards that Hallmark developed with the American Cancer Society to help people connect when they may not have the words.
The American Cancer Society and CVS Health have partnered together since 2016 on several initiatives, including providing tobacco-control expertise and support to CVS Health's Be The First initiative, a five-year, $50 million commitment to help deliver the first tobacco-free generation. To date, the CVS Health Foundation and the American Cancer Society have helped clear the air for more than 1.4 million students through grants that help colleges and universities advocate for, adopt and implement 100% smoke- and tobacco-free campus policies.