Be The First

Together, we can help deliver the first tobacco-free generation.

Let’s Make History Together

We’re helping deliver the first generation to be tobacco-free. As the nation’s largest pharmacy innovation company, CVS Health is uniquely positioned to help people on their path to better health, which includes playing a leading role in helping people lead tobacco-free lives. That’s why, through our company and the CVS Health Foundation, we’re investing $50 million and working with the nation’s leading anti-tobacco and youth organizations to support comprehensive education, advocacy, tobacco control and healthy behavior programming to help those who smoke quit and ensure those who don’t never start.

Part of our commitment to deliver the first tobacco-free generation includes a partnership with the CVS Health Foundation, American Cancer Society^® and Truth Initiative^® to award grants to hundreds of U.S. colleges and universities. Our Tobacco-Free Generation Campus Initiative is part a growing movement to accelerate and expand the number of campuses that are 100 percent smoke and tobacco free.

In addition, we have invested in tobacco-free resources for students, parents, teachers, schools and youth organizations. These tools and curricula cover topics including the dangers of tobacco, e-cigarette use, healthy behaviors, and advocacy training.

Each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3,200 children under the age of 18 smoke their first cigarette, with 580 who become regular, daily smokers. We have an opportunity to end this persistent epidemic, and ensure the health of 5.6 million children alive today who are at risk of becoming a tobacco statistic tomorrow.

Our Progress

Strengthening Our Commitment to Help End Tobacco Use

Our Chief Medical Officer and Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility share the impact of our decision to quit tobacco and how we’re expanding on that work going forward.

By the Numbers: Perceptions on Tobacco Use and Sales

Five years after we quit, we partnered with Morning Consult to gauge how Americans view our role in curbing tobacco and vaping use and improving the health of communities nationwide.

Tobacco-free for five years

Five years ago, we made the bold decision to remove tobacco from our stores. That was just the beginning of many innovative steps we’ve taken since to make it easier for our customers and patients to achieve their best health.

Taking on Smoking-Related Health Disparities in African American Communities

A CVS Health Foundation grant helps to improve access to smoking cessation services in African American communities.

CVS Health and the Truth Initiative team up to promote smoke-free campuses

Grants have been given to more than 100 schools to advocate for, adopt and implement 100% smoke- and tobacco-free campus policies.

CVS Health Enters Year 3 of Be The First Initiative

CVS Health is entering the third year of a five-year, $50 million commitment to preventing tobacco use among youth and delivering the first tobacco-free generation.