CINCINNATI, Jan. 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kroger Health
announced today a new service aimed at helping tobacco users in
Idaho and Indiana successfully quit for good. Beginning
February 3rd, 2020, pharmacists
across Idaho and Indiana Kroger,
Fred Meyer and Smith's locations
will prescribe and supply tobacco cessation products to be used in
combination with lifestyle resources and behavioral support.
More tobacco users are attempting to quit or expressing a desire
to quit today than in recent history. According to the Centers for
Disease Control, 68% of current adult smokers expressed they wanted
to quit smoking and 55.4% of daily cigarette smokers reported
stopping for more than one day in an attempt to permanently quit
smoking. This service combines both behavioral counseling and
medications, which according to the Centers for Disease Control is
proven to be more effective in stopping tobacco product use than
using either one alone.
As a result of recent legislation changes in Idaho and Indiana, Kroger Health's pharmacists can
prescribe all tobacco cessation medications for patients including
Zyban® and Chantix® in addition to a patient-specific quit plan.
After a consultation with a pharmacist, patients will receive a
prescription, if appropriate, as well as tobacco cessation therapy
and behavioral counseling. This service, provided by a Kroger
Health pharmacist, includes a follow up on a patient's progress
after the initial meeting. Many of the smoking cessation
medications are available at a discounted rate through Kroger Rx
Savings Club which is a membership prescription program through
Kroger Family of Pharmacies.
"Smoking and tobacco are leading causes of preventable disease
in the United States," said
Colleen Lindholz, President,
Kroger Health. "Many customers want
to quit but don't know where to start. Others have tried to quit
but were unsuccessful. We want people to know they can come to our
pharmacy and get assistance with what can often be a trying
process. As a pharmacist who began my career in our stores, I've
seen firsthand how much programs like this can change people's
lives."
Pharmacists at 114 Indiana and 15 Idaho Kroger Health pharmacies
will be joining providers at The Little Clinic with the ability to
provide this service. "Pharmacists are the most accessible
healthcare providers," said Jim
Kirby, Senior Director, Kroger Health Services, Kroger
Health. "Our Pharmacists and The Little Clinic providers are
available to address all of their healthcare needs – from
vaccinations to tobacco cessation."
Individuals interested in quitting tobacco products should
contact their local Kroger Health pharmacy in Indiana or Idaho for more information and eligibility.
Certain restrictions apply.
About Kroger Health:
Kroger Health is one of America's leading retail healthcare
organizations, with over 2,000 pharmacies and 200 clinics in 35
states serving more than 14 million customers. Our team of 22,000
healthcare practitioners - from pharmacists and nurse
practitioners, to dietitians and technicians - help simplify
healthcare by providing solutions that combine health, wellness,
and nutrition, connecting with customers on an emotional and
personal level. We're also pioneering new work to help drive food
as medicine in order to prevent illness before it starts. Learn
more at www.krogerhealth.com.
About The Kroger Co.
At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose:
to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are nearly half a million associates
who serve nine million customers daily through a seamless digital
shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of
banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift,
and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn
more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.
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SOURCE Kroger Health