CVS/pharmacy supports UNCF's initiatives

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy and the United Negro College Fund, a minority education organization, are teaming up to celebrate Black History Month and promote education in the retailer's stores nationwide.

As part of the partnership, CVS/pharmacy has committed $50,000 in support of UNCF initiatives, including the UNCF Campaign For Emergency Student Aid, which helps thousands of recession-impacted college students at 39 historically black colleges and universities as they complete their senior year and receive their college degrees. The donation from CVS/pharmacy will help students who are short of funds to pay for tuition, books and dormitory rooms so that they can clear their bills at the bursar's office and graduate from college this spring.

The partnership also includes promotion through the month of February of UNCF and Black History Month at CVS/pharmacy's more than 7,100 stores nationwide through in-store radio announcements featuring UNCF's motto: "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." The UNCF motto celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

"Black History Month is an important opportunity to recognize the contributions that African-Americans have made over the course of our history as a country," stated David Casey, VP workforce strategies and chief diversity officer for CVS Caremark. "We are proud to stand with UNCF and to support its important mission of making sure every child has the opportunity to get through college so they can become the next generation of leaders."

Since its founding, UNCF has helped 350,000 students earn degrees from its 39 member colleges and universities. Today, 55,000 students attend UNCF member institutions each year.