CVS Caremark Charitable Trust Partners with National Association of Community Health Centers to Create Innovative Grant Program Focused on Managing Chronic Disease

WOONSOCKET, R.I., July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --  The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust, a private foundation created by CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), today announced a $3 million, multi-year partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC).  Beginning in 2013, grants will be made available to community health centers across the country to support the development of innovative, community-based programs and initiatives to manage chronic diseases.  To address the widespread lack of access to basic health care, Community Health Centers serve over 20 million people at more than 8,000 sites located throughout all 50 states and U.S. territories.

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More than half of Americans suffer from one or more chronic diseases and that number is expected to grow in the next decade.  With its focus on the treatment and management of chronic illnesses, specifically heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and asthma, the "Innovations in Community Health" grant program aligns with CVS Caremark's purpose to help people on their path to better health.

"Given the rapidly changing health care environment, it's increasingly important to provide access to high quality health care," said Larry J. Merlo, President and CEO for CVS Caremark. "Through our partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers, we hope to improve health outcomes for the millions of Americans living with chronic disease, while also lowering costs."

Funding through the grant program will support a variety of programs, that support patients managing chronic disease, including:

• Health care models that promote coordinated care for patients managing chronic diseases.
• Health care models that include education and tracking methods for promoting medication adherence for patients managing chronic diseases.
• Technology and IT services that enable health care providers to more effectively plan therapies or promote communication among a network of health care providers serving collaborative care for patients managing chronic diseases.

"The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust is committed to supporting organizations that are providing greater access to health care and medical services, and this partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers will go a long way in that effort," said Eileen Howard Boone, Vice President, CVS Caremark Charitable Trust.  "We know that while treatment outcomes are improving, the rates of chronic disease are increasing and health centers play a vital role in providing affordable, quality health care services for those who need it most." 

There are many patient stories that illustrate the need for access to health care services – especially for those with chronic disease. Married for 30 years, John and Helen Britt live in Muncie, IN, are both in their fifties and struggling to find work.  Both are diabetics with multiple other health issues and have to worry about putting food on the table or paying for health care.  With support from their Community Health Center, they receive the vital health care services they need to manage their chronic condition.

"With the recent Supreme Court ruling on health care reform, we now know that millions more will gain insurance coverage in the near future.  However, as we also know from the experience in Massachusetts, there will be gaps.  Further, we also know that having insurance coverage alone will not ensure effective management of patients with multiple chronic conditions," said Tom Van Coverden, President and CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc.  "By working with the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust, we will be able to provide the crucial support to community health centers across the country – ensuring not only access to health care, but also improving the lives of thousands of Americans."

Applications for "Innovations in Community Health" grants will be open to NACHC members in select states.  NACHC will distribute the application to members the week of July 30, 2012.

About the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust

The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust, Inc. is a private foundation created by CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS). CVS Caremark is the largest pharmacy health care provider in the nation. The Trust's mission is to provide funding for health care, education and community involvement initiatives in CVS Caremark communities. General information about CVS Caremark is available through the Investor Relations portion of the Company's Web site at http://investor.cvs.com, or through the Web site's press room at www.cvs.com/pressroom.

About the National Association of Community Health Centers
The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971.Its mission is to promote the provision of high quality, comprehensive and affordable health care that is coordinated, culturally and linguistically competent, and community directed for all medically underserved populations.

PRESS CONTACTS
Joanne Dwyer
CVS Caremark
401-770-2898
[email protected]

Eva Pereira
for CVS Caremark                                                      
(781) 559-0424
[email protected]

SOURCE CVS Caremark Charitable Trust