DUBLIN, Ohio, May 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Smoking is the
leading cause of preventable death worldwide, killing more than
480,000 Americans and causing illnesses that cost more than
$300 billion to treat each year,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In an
effort to combat these trends, nearly all Medicine Shoppe and
Medicap Pharmacy franchises have committed to not sell tobacco or
tobacco-related products.
"Each of our Medicine Shoppe and Medicap Pharmacy franchisees
pride themselves on being a community healthcare destination," said
John Fiacco, vice president of
Medicine Shoppe International, Inc. "As retailers, we believe
our franchisees can play a significant role in limiting access to
tobacco and tobacco-related products – and in preventing the
diseases and health problems those products can cause."
Fiacco says that the majority of Medicine Shoppe and Medicap
Pharmacy locations have been tobacco-free for quite some time,
because selling tobacco products simply does not align with the
franchise system's goal of promoting healthy communities. However,
when managed care organizations began penalizing patients who
utilize pharmacies that sell tobacco products with increased
co-pays, the franchise system and its franchisees implemented a
formal policy prohibiting sales of tobacco and tobacco-related
products.
Fiacco also said that many Medicine Shoppe and Medicap Pharmacy
locations sell cessation aids such as nicotine replacement gum and
nicotine patches, and many offer comprehensive smoking-cessation
education programs. Others partner with local smoking-cessation
programs to fill prescriptions for medications that help patients
successfully quit smoking.
"At my first pharmacy job, I was at the front register selling
cigarettes," said Roger Peltola,
pharmacist and owner of the Medicine Shoppe in Hillsboro, Oregon.
"It just didn't make sense to me that pharmacists were treating the
diseases caused by the tobacco products they sold. I've never sold
tobacco products in my store, and am proud of my fellow retail
independent pharmacies for finding healthy ways to drive revenue in
their stores and promote wellness in their communities."
Fiacco said that removing products that contribute to disease
and addiction was a natural transition for Medicine Shoppe and
Medicap Pharmacy franchisees.
"This nationwide initiative marks a continuation of our
commitment to improving the health and wellness of the local
communities we serve, and our dedication to providing a higher
level of patient care," said Fiacco.
About Medicine Shoppe International
Medicine Shoppe
International, Inc. (MSI), a Cardinal Health company, is
distinguished for its commitment to providing expert, personalized
health care. MSI is one of the largest franchisors of independent
community pharmacies in the United
States, with more than 500 Medicine Shoppe and Medicap
Pharmacy locations across the United
States, and more than 200 international pharmacies. Learn
more at www.medicineshoppe.com.
About Cardinal Health
Headquartered in
Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health,
Inc. (NYSE: CAH) is a $91 billion
health care services company that improves the cost-effectiveness
of health care. As the business behind health care, Cardinal Health
helps pharmacies, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical
laboratories and physician offices focus on patient care while
reducing costs, enhancing efficiency and improving quality.
Cardinal Health is an essential link in the health care supply
chain, providing pharmaceuticals and medical products and services
to more than 100,000 locations each day and is also the
industry-leading direct-to-home medical supplies distributor. The
company is a leading manufacturer of medical and surgical products,
including gloves, surgical apparel and fluid management products.
In addition, the company operates the nation's largest network of
radiopharmacies that dispense products to aid in the early
diagnosis and treatment of disease. Ranked #22 on the Fortune 500,
Cardinal Health employs 34,000 people worldwide. More information
about the company may be found at www.cardinalhealth.com and
@CardinalHealth on Twitter.
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-medicine-shoppe-and-medicap-pharmacy-franchisees-go-tobacco-free-300080703.html
SOURCE Cardinal Health