CVS/pharmacy focuses on preventive health screenings via Project Health campaign

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy has announced the kickoff to the second half of its annual Project Health wellness campaign.



The campaign, which is known as Proyecto Salud in Spanish, is slated to deliver more than $15 million worth of free health screenings to multicultural communities across the United States by the end of 2013.

 

"We know that our Project Health events are a great way to reach customers who may not have health insurance. In fact, about 45% of past attendees were uninsured," stated Helena Foulkes, EVP and chief healthcare strategy and marketing officer for CVS Caremark. "As a pharmacy healthcare provider, we have a responsibility to help our patients make informed decisions about their health care, including the new healthcare coverage options available to them. Increased access to healthcare coverage will improve health outcomes and is in line with our purpose of helping people on their path to better health."



During the months of September, October and November, more than 375 Project Health events will be held at select CVS/pharmacy retail locations in 10 cities across the United States, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Several events will also be held across Ohio in October. Project Health events will also be held at select CVS/pharmacy stores in Puerto Rico. By year's end, more than 770 Project Health events will have taken place in 2013.



Project Health offers an array of free comprehensive health risk assessments including blood pressure, Body Mass Index, glucose, and cholesterol screenings, as well as smoking cessation counseling. Children seven years of age and older may participate in screenings with parental consent.



In September, representatives from Get Covered America will be available at Project Health events to provide consumers with information about the new health insurance marketplace and their coverage options under the new health care law. Health insurance experts will also be available at Project Health events in October and November.



Project Health is part of CVS/pharmacy's commitment to improve access to health care and ensure that cost is not a barrier to critical preventive services. Project Health events, while held in cities with large multicultural populations, are open to everyone and do not require an appointment.



"By increasing access to vital preventive care through Project Health events, we are not only helping patients identify chronic conditions they may be at risk for, we are also arming them with the tools they need to take charge of their health and ultimately lead healthier lives,” added Foulkes.



Once screened, CVS/pharmacy will help patients through on-site consultations with bilingual (Spanish/English) nurse practitioners or physician assistants who will analyze results and refer patients who require additional medical attention to no-cost or low-cost medical facilities nearby or to their primary care physician if additional follow-up care is necessary. CVS pharmacists will be available to conduct one-on-one medication reviews and answer any questions the patients may have.



In 2012, nearly 160,000 people were screened through Project Health events, demonstrating the need for these critical services. Of the people screened, many areas of concern were discovered:

• 53% had at least one abnormal screening result;


• 51% had risk factors for osteoporosis;


• 51% were found to be overweight or obese;


• 47% had at least one abnormal risk factor for heart disease;


• 32% had abnormal glucose readings.

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