Mickey Anderson, Region Director at CVS Health in California has been a long-time volunteer for the American Lung Association and is currently a member of California’s Local Leadership Board. It all started in 2014 when CVS Health became the national presenting sponsor for the Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative to defeat lung cancer – the #1 cancer killer of women. That was the same year that CVS Health removed all tobacco products from its stores.
Mickey knew how much of a financial risk it was for the company to make the dramatic decision to be the first retailer to completely remove all tobacco products. "But that decision cemented my commitment to work for a company that puts the well-being of their customers over profits," said Mickey.
CVS Health and Mickey are at again – this time stepping up to support the respiratory issue that has affected us all: COVID-19. From June 21 – July 25, CVS Health is allowing customers to support the American Lung Association’s $25M COVID-19 Action Initiative to end COVID-19 and prevent future pandemics of this nature. As the oldest voluntary health organization in the country, we pioneered the model of using education, advocacy and research to virtually eradicate tuberculosis in the United States. We are using those same principles to ensure our nation can address today’s pandemic.
In addition to signing on as a leading sponsor of our three-year commitment, CVS Health has been a leader in addressing the need for testing facilities in the United States. There is still so much we still don't know about this lung infection, but the first step in understanding the spread of COVID-19 and how to support patients affected is through testing.
CVS Health has launched more than 1,000 drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites and has said it will establish a total of 1,400 locations across the country in the coming months. The retail sites reflect the company’s presence in diverse communities across the country. Nearly 60% of the 1,400 sites will serve communities with the greatest need for support, as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index.
“Since opening our first test site in March, we have been united around a common goal: increasing the frequency and efficiency of COVID-19 testing,” said Mickey. “It makes me extremely proud to work for a leading national healthcare company that is using our expansive community presence to bring testing closer to home while maintaining strict safety standards.”
You can learn more about CVS Health’s commitment to testing and make your own appointment online. And while you’re there – round up your purchase or donate a $1 or more to the Lung Association through July 25. With your donation, we will support the most at-risk populations and ensure they have access to COVID-19 vaccinations, fund lifesaving research and protect against future pandemics. Learn more and donate online at Lung.org/cvs.
Blog last updated: August 21, 2023
