February 10, 2014
Commissioner’s statement on CVS decision to stop selling tobacco products
As Suffolk County prepares for a public hearing on banning the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21, this action by CVS serves as a reminder that tobacco use is a leading underlying cause of death in America. I commend CVS and many other independent pharmacies that have taken this important step to protect public health, and I hope other pharmacies will consider taking similar action.
–James L. Tomarken, MD, MPH, MBA, MSW