CVS Pharmacy, the largest pharmacy chain in the US, has over 7,600 stores serving Americans’ pharmaceutical needs. Considering this, wouldn’t a responsible pharmacy not place cigarettes, which kill close to 450,000 people a year, behind their counters? That was their exact thoughts when CVS put forward the idea to no longer sell cigarettes.

On February 5, 2014 CVS announced they would no longer be selling cigarettes. It has been known that cigarettes are the reason for many deaths in the United States. President and CEO of CVS Caremark, Larry J. Merlo, in the official CVS article said, “Put simply, the sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose.” President of CVS Pharmacy, Helena B Foulkes, commented, “Every day, all across the country, customers and patients place their trust in our 26,000 pharmacists and nurse practitioners to serve their healthcare needs.”

This decision was supported supported by WHBHS students. Junior Gemma Caglioti said, “I think it’s great. They knew they were going to lose millions of dollars but still went through with it in the interest of the people.” (The company is estimated to lose 2 billion dollars in revenues on an annual basis from the tobacco shopper.) Junior Abigail Elefterion agreed, “I feel that it’s a good thing because it shows that they are protesting against cigarettes and showing that the causes of them are harmful and should not be sold.”

We applaud CVS for taking a stand.