IL HR1037

Commends CVS Caremark for deciding to stop selling tobacco products at its more than 7,600 stores nationwide by October 1, 2014, making it the first national pharmacy chain to take this action.

Notes that 42 million people currently smoke and that 90% of adult smokers began smoking at or before age 18, with an estimated 5.6 million children alive today expected to die prematurely from tobacco-related disease.

Emphasizes that smoking is the leading cause of premature disease and death in the United States, killing more than 480,000 Americans annually and costing the nation an estimated $289 billion in medical costs and lost productivity.

Recognizes that reducing the density of stores selling tobacco can help decrease smoking rates among young people, and that pharmacies' involvement in chronic disease management conflicts with selling tobacco products that exacerbate conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Acknowledges CVS Caremark's pledge to launch a national smoking cessation program in spring to help millions of Americans quit smoking.