Easterseals and CVS Health Foundation Take on Disparities in Smoking Among Disability and Veteran Communities

CHICAGO, July 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States.  While more Americans are kicking the habit, 42 million still identify as smokers—accounting for 1 out of every 5 citizens. People living with disabilities face even higher instances of smoking, nearly 40% more than those who reported having no disability (CDC, 2011).

CVS Health knows promoting a tobacco-free lifestyle extends well beyond their cigarette-free stores. That's why they're working with Easterseals, the nation's indispensable resource for people facing disability, to help the disability community, veterans and caregivers kick the habit for good.

"If we are to help Americans on their path to better health, then tobacco-free living must remain a top, public health priority—for people of all abilities," said Eileen Howard-Boone, President, CVS Health Foundation. "And that path starts in a different place for everyone. Together with Easterseals, we're engaging the populations they serve including people with disabilities, veterans and caregivers who we know want to quit, but may not know where to start."

Through support from the CVS Health Foundation, and in collaboration with the American Lung Association, Easterseals is advancing a smoking cessation program specifically tailored to the populations it serves: people with disabilities, veterans and caregivers—all groups with higher incidence of smoking. The partnership leverages the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking® program, which guides participants through the process of quitting smoking for good with proven effective tools and tips. 

"We're proud to partner with the CVS Health Foundation as we help the individuals and families we serve kick the habit for good," said Randy Rutta, President and CEO, Easterseals. "It's a true honor to be selected among the grant awardees. We hope our communities are inspired to take advantage of this opportunity."   

For more information about smoking cessation visit www.easterseals.com/cvs-smoking/

About Easterseals
For nearly 100 years, Easterseals has been the indispensable resources for people and families facing disability. Through the work we do in communities across America, Easterseals is changing the way the world defines and views disability by making profound and positive differences in people's lives every day. Join us as we take on disability together at Easterseals.com.   

About CVS Health
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its approximately 9,600 retail pharmacies, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with more than 75 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, and expanding specialty pharmacy services, the Company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.

About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org 

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SOURCE Easterseals