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April 13, 2011
Former CVS executive appointed Nash Finch board member

Nash Finch, a food distribution company, on Monday named retired CVS Caremark president Chris Bodine to the company’s board.

MINNEAPOLIS — Nash Finch, a food distribution company, on Monday named retired CVS Caremark president Chris Bodine to the company’s board.

April 8, 2011
MinuteClinic's latest affiliation highlights growing need for medical homes

The news that CVS Caremark's MinuteClinic has entered into a clinical affiliation with Advocate Health Care and Advocate Physician Partners is important as it reflects a larger focus within the U.S. healthcare landscape: medical homes, or for a growing number of Americans, the lack thereof.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The news that CVS Caremark's MinuteClinic has entered into a clinical affiliation with Advocate Health Care and Advocate Physician Partners is important as it reflects a larger focus within the U.S. healthcare landscape: medical homes, or for a growing number of Americans, the lack thereof.

April 7, 2011
MinuteClinic enters clinical affiliation with Advocate Health Care, Advocate Physician Partners

CVS Caremark's retail-based clinic operator, MinuteClinic, has entered into a clinical affiliation with Advocate Health Care and Advocate Physician Partners to enhance the healthcare services provided to patients in communities throughout Chicagoland and central Illinois.

WOONSOCKET, R.I., and OAK BROOK, Ill. — CVS Caremark's retail-based clinic operator, MinuteClinic, has entered into a clinical affiliation with Advocate Health Care and Advocate Physician Partners to enhance the healthcare services provided to patients in communities throughout Chicagoland and central Illinois. The deal marks the largest clinical collaboration between a regional health system and MinuteClinic based on number of in-store clinic locations.

April 5, 2011
CVS Caremark earns spot on reputable companies list

CVS Caremark announced on Tuesday that it has been named as one of the most reputable companies in the United States in the 2011 Most Reputable Companies list published by Forbes magazine in partnership with the Reputation Institute.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark announced on Tuesday that it has been named as one of the most reputable companies in the United States in the 2011 Most Reputable Companies list published by Forbes magazine in partnership with the Reputation Institute.

Of the 150 companies included in the survey, CVS Caremark ranked 30th.

Survey respondents rated companies on financial performance, products and services, innovation, workplace, governance, citizenship and leadership.

April 1, 2011
Foulkes proves to be a worthy asset for CVS

The news that CVS Caremark has named Helena Foulkes EVP and chief healthcare strategy and marketing officer undoubtedly is significant, as she will be responsible for integrating all the company's capabilities in branding, communications and healthcare-reform strategy to forge even stronger partnerships and further improve pharmacy care delivery. The responsibilities of this newly created position will be no small feat, indeed, but clearly those at 1 CVS Drive are more than confident in her abilities.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The news that CVS Caremark has named Helena Foulkes EVP and chief healthcare strategy and marketing officer undoubtedly is significant, as she will be responsible for integrating all the company's capabilities in branding, communications and healthcare-reform strategy to forge even stronger partnerships and further improve pharmacy care delivery.

March 29, 2011
CVS Caremark names Helena Foulkes EVP, chief healthcare strategy and marketing officer

CVS Caremark has named Helena Foulkes, who is widely regarded as one of the most visionary marketers in modern drug store retailing, to the newly created position of EVP and chief healthcare strategy and marketing officer.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has named Helena Foulkes, who is widely regarded as one of the most visionary marketers in modern drug store retailing, to the newly created position of EVP and chief healthcare strategy and marketing officer.

In the new role, Foulkes will bring together the company's capabilities in enterprise branding, communications, community relations, charitable giving, healthcare-reform strategy, government relations and marketing into one integrated organization in an effort to deliver even better business results and stronger partnerships.

March 25, 2011
DAW Rxs drive up healthcare costs, study finds

"Dispense-as-written" prescriptions are exacerbating medication nonadherence and costing the U.S. healthcare system billions of dollars, according to a new study by researchers at Harvard University, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and CVS Caremark.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — "Dispense-as-written" prescriptions are exacerbating medication nonadherence and costing the U.S. healthcare system billions of dollars, according to a new study by researchers at Harvard University, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and CVS Caremark.

March 18, 2011
Lichi Super Fruit Diet now available at CVS/pharmacy

Bainbridge & Knight's Lichi Super Fruit Diet supplement has made its way to CVS/pharmacy.

NEW YORK — Bainbridge & Knight's Lichi Super Fruit Diet supplement has made its way to CVS/pharmacy.

The company said its new distribution deal signals major growth for the product, which will be rolled out in all of CVS' 7,000-plus locations.

Currently sold at Rite Aid, GNC, Duane Reade, A&P, ShopRite, Weis Markets, Harmon, Pathmark, Kings Supermarket and Circle K, as well as on Walgreens.com, for $29.99, Lichi Super Fruit Diet comes with 90 soft gels in a bottle for a 30-day supply.

March 15, 2011
Alba Botanica renames Advanced line, repackages products

Alba Botanica, whose products are available at CVS, Target, Whole Foods and natural food stores, has revamped its Advanced line, which now is known as Natural Even Advanced.

MELVILLE, N.Y. — Alba Botanica, whose products are available at CVS, Target, Whole Foods and natural food stores, has revamped its Advanced line, which now is known as Natural Even Advanced.

The enhanced collection boasts eight reformulated and repackaged skin care products that target uneven pigmentation to improve the appearance of skin's clarity and tone for radiant-looking skin.

March 15, 2011
CVS Caremark's charitable arm donates funds to support relief efforts in Japan

The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust has announced the donation of $100,000 to the American Red Cross in support of relief efforts under way in Japan following last week's tragic earthquake and tsunami, with a potential total donation of up to $300,000 through the matching of CVS Caremark employee donations.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust has announced the donation of $100,000 to the American Red Cross in support of relief efforts under way in Japan following last week's tragic earthquake and tsunami, with a potential total donation of up to $300,000 through the matching of CVS Caremark employee donations.

March 15, 2011
Pradaxa added to CVS Caremark's, Medco's commercial preferred drug lists

A drug used to prevent stroke in patients with a form of atrial fibrillation has won preferred Tier 2 formulary status with pharmacy benefit managers Medco Health Solutions and CVS Caremark.

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — A drug used to prevent stroke in patients with a form of atrial fibrillation has won preferred Tier 2 formulary status with pharmacy benefit managers Medco Health Solutions and CVS Caremark.

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals announced Monday that CVS Caremark and Medco had added Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate) capsules to their commercial preferred drug lists, and Medco had added the drug to its Part D drug list.

March 14, 2011
Walgreens doesn't need PBM to keep it at top

A lot was made of Walgreens' sale of its pharmacy benefit management business to focus on its stores and the other parts of its business, with some analysts and pundits suggesting CVS should or might soon follow suit. Whether or not CVS Caremark decides to do the same remains to be seen, but it certainly isn't the foregone conclusion some have suggested it might be.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — A lot was made of Walgreens' sale of its pharmacy benefit management business to focus on its stores and the other parts of its business, with some analysts and pundits suggesting CVS should or might soon follow suit. Whether or not CVS Caremark decides to do the same remains to be seen, but it certainly isn't the foregone conclusion some have suggested it might be.

March 9, 2011
CVS Caremark declares quarterly dividend

CVS Caremark's board of directors has approved a quarterly dividend of 12.5 cents per share.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark's board of directors has approved a quarterly dividend of 12.5 cents per share.

The dividend is payable May 3 to holders of record on April 22, the company noted.

March 9, 2011
Survey: NACo Rx discount cardholders save bundles

Patients that participated in a prescription discount card program created by the National Association of Counties saved more than $107 million on their medications in 2010, a new survey released by CVS Caremark and NACo found.

WOONSOCKET, R.I., and WASHINGTON —  Patients that participated in a prescription discount card program created by the National Association of Counties saved more than $107 million on their medications in 2010, a new survey released by CVS Caremark and NACo found.

What's more, CVS Caremark and NACo noted, the average discount per prescription was about 24%.

March 4, 2011
Drug channel needs to amp up its CE potential

The drug store channel isn’t maximizing its potential in the consumer electronics category.

The drug store channel isn’t maximizing its potential in the consumer electronics category. According to research by TWICE and the Stevenson Co., CE sales at Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS amounted to $111 billion last year, less than 1% of the chains’ combined revenue. At Walmart, electronics comprise about 7% of sales. TWICE’s research also revealed that CE sales at all three drug chains were down last year.

March 4, 2011
MTM can save lives; retailers, suppliers take notice

Walgreens’ winning of an award for its MTM services came right before it joined the Care Continuum Alliance — a group of more than 200 stakeholders that provide such services as wellness and prevention programs and management of chronic conditions — of which CVS Caremark already was a member.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Walgreens’ winning of an award for its MTM services came right before it joined the Care Continuum Alliance — a group of more than 200 stakeholders that provide such services as wellness and prevention programs and management of chronic conditions — of which CVS Caremark already was a member.

(THE NEWS: Walgreens takes top honors for MTM services. For the full story, click here)

March 2, 2011
CVS Caremark to utilize ActiveHealth CareEngine for PBM customers

CVS Caremark has inked a three-year agreement with ActiveHealth Management, an independent subsidiary of Aetna, under which CVS Caremark will apply the evidence-based, clinical intelligence of the ActiveHealth CareEngine to healthcare claims for its PBM customers to identify opportunities for improved pharmacy care.

NEW YORK and WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has inked a three-year agreement with ActiveHealth Management, an independent subsidiary of Aetna, under which CVS Caremark will apply the evidence-based, clinical intelligence of the ActiveHealth CareEngine to healthcare claims for its PBM customers to identify opportunities for improved pharmacy care.

CVS Caremark will apply the CareEngine to more than 800,000 members beginning in April, with additional membership to be added as CVS Caremark consults with its PBM clients.

March 1, 2011
Merlo officially takes helm at CVS

As previously announced and widely reported, March 1 marks the day that Larry Merlo officially assumes the role of CEO of CVS Caremark.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — As previously announced and widely reported, March 1 marks the day that Larry Merlo officially assumes the role of CEO of CVS Caremark. Merlo, who now serves as president and CEO, succeeds Tom Ryan, who remains nonexecutive chairman until his retirement at the company's annual meeting of shareholders in May.

Upon Ryan's retirement as chairman in May, the company intends to elect CVS Caremark board member David Dorman as the next nonexecutive chairman at the 2011 annual meeting. Dorman has been on the CVS Caremark board of directors since 2006.

February 28, 2011
CVS/pharmacy kicks off 2011 To Your Health program

CVS/pharmacy has announced the launch of the 2011 To Your Health program, offering free preventive health screenings at more than 800 events in communities across the country. The program is designed to help Americans determine their risk for chronic diseases and get them on a path to better health.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy has announced the launch of the 2011 To Your Health program, offering free preventive health screenings at more than 800 events in communities across the country. The program is designed to help Americans determine their risk for chronic diseases and get them on a path to better health.

The program will get under way in Houston on March 5, and continue in Dallas, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chicago and Miami.

February 25, 2011
Basically, it's a warning to vendors

As Walgreens pays tribute to its store brand via hard-hitting ads that position its health-and-wellness products as the ones that its pharmacists recommend, CVS/pharmacy officially has unveiled its new Just the Basics private-label line — both developments that should serve as warning signs to vendors.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — As Walgreens pays tribute to its store brand via hard-hitting ads that position its health-and-wellness products as the ones that its pharmacists recommend, CVS/pharmacy officially has unveiled its new Just the Basics private-label line — both developments that should serve as warning signs to vendors.

(THE NEWS: CVS/pharmacy's Just the Basics line makes debut. For the full story, click here)

February 23, 2011
Advanced BloodStop now available at CVS/pharmacy

LifeScience Plus recently introduced Advanced BloodStop, a bandage that helps stop bleeding in less than one minute, at CVS/pharmacy.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — LifeScience Plus recently introduced Advanced BloodStop, a bandage that helps stop bleeding in less than one minute, at CVS/pharmacy.

“We are very excited to be able to offer this product through CVS,” stated Wayne Korteweg, COO of LifeScience Plus. “BloodStop is so much more effective and versatile than ordinary bandages; it’s an essential for any medicine cabinet, first aid kit or car for home or travel emergencies.”

February 23, 2011
CVS/pharmacy supports UNCF's initiatives

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.

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.

February 23, 2011
CVS/pharmacy's Just the Basics line makes debut

As expected, CVS/pharmacy officially has introduced a new line of store-brand products called Just the Basics, which is comprised of household essentials. As previously reported by Drug Store News, the retailer unveiled plans to launch the new line during its 2010 analyst day in October.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — As expected, CVS/pharmacy officially has introduced a new line of store-brand products called Just the Basics, which is comprised of household essentials. As previously reported by Drug Store News, the retailer unveiled plans to launch the new line during its 2010 analyst day in October.

The new product line, exclusively available at CVS/pharmacy, is comprised of nearly 100 items, and there are plans to expand the line going forward.

February 1, 2011
CVS’ innovations far from ‘Just the Basics’ with Bloom at helm

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Looking for a merchant known for the ability to swiftly understand the big picture and move into action? Look no further than Mike Bloom of CVS/pharmacy.


January 18, 2011
CVS' Bloom, Baker to lead chain's retail business on interim basis

CVS Caremark has pulled the plug on its plan to hire former Walmart exec Hank Mullany, and is handing the keys to its retail business on an interim basis to Mike Bloom, EVP merchandising and supply chain, and Scott Baker, EVP internal operations and real estate, who will assume management for the company’s 7,100-plus stores.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has pulled the plug on its plan to hire former Walmart exec Hank Mullany, and is handing the keys to its retail business on an interim basis to Mike Bloom, EVP merchandising and supply chain, and Scott Baker, EVP internal operations and real estate, who will assume management for the company’s 7,100-plus stores.

Bloom and Baker, who will report to Larry Merlo, president and COO of CVS Caremark, are assuming these duties on an interim basis, pending the completion of the company's search for a new president of CVS/pharmacy.