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CVS/pharmacy and the National Council on Aging Extend 'Prescription for Better Health' Partnership
March 27, 2008
"In the first year of our relationship with CVS/pharmacy, we've been able to touch an encouraging number of seniors in communities across the country, providing education on medications and benefits of importance to seniors," said James Firman, President and CEO of NCOA. "We're delighted to extend this partnership so these efforts can continue to grow."
Components of the "Prescription for Better Health" program include:
-- Medication Management: CVS pharmacists host information sessions at
NCOA-affiliated organizations that focus on managing medications
effectively and preventing possible drug interactions. Attendees have
the opportunity to review their medications with a CVS pharmacist and
receive tips on medication management.
-- Education: CVS/pharmacy and NCOA inform seniors about taking better
care of their health through the availability of educational resources
in CVS/pharmacy locations nationwide. On an ongoing basis, the
CVS/pharmacy Wellness Information Centers offer information on health
issues, disease states, and advice for caregivers.
-- Access: CVS/pharmacy is helping to make seniors and caregivers aware
of the NCOA BenefitsCheckUp(R) tool, the nation's most comprehensive
Web-based service to screen for benefits programs for seniors with
limited income and resources. BenefitsCheckUp includes more than 1,550
public and private benefits programs from all 50 states and the
District of Columbia, ranging from energy assistance and nutrition
programs to Extra Help through Medicare Part D and income supplements.
CVS/pharmacy and NCOA offer a co-branded version of the site at
www.benefitscheckup.org/cvs. Informational brochures are available in
CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide.
-- Prevention: CVS/pharmacy offers free health screenings in select
markets with community outreach supported by the NCOA. In 2008,
CVS/pharmacy is conducting screenings to evaluate blood and cholesterol
levels, bone density and hearing in selected stores. In addition,
CVS/pharmacy offers flu vaccinations during cold and flu season.
A new component moving forward will be joint CVS/pharmacy and NCOA research initiatives that promise to yield new insights on seniors and medication trends, providing important data to enhance "Prescription for Better Health" programs.
"With the oldest of the baby boomers turning 62 this year, it's more important than ever to have resources readily available to seniors and their caregivers to guide them through health issues and give them a better understanding of their medications," said Larry Merlo, President of CVS/pharmacy. "Our partnership with the NCOA is proving to be a very effective way to make resources easily accessible at the community level. We're very excited to continue the good work we've begun."
About the National Council on Aging
Founded in 1950, the National Council on Aging has a mission to improve the lives of older Americans. NCOA programs help older people remain healthy and independent, find jobs, increase access to benefits programs, and discover meaningful ways to continue contributing to society. A charitable organization with a national network of more than 14,000 organizations and leaders, NCOA is based in Washington, DC. For more information about NCOA, please visit www.NCOA.org.
