The National Council on Aging and CVS/pharmacy Educate Pennsylvania Seniors on Medication...

The National Council on Aging and CVS/pharmacy Educate Pennsylvania Seniors on
Medication Management and How to Save Money on Prescription Drugs

Pack Your Bag(TM) Events Bring Educational Outreach to Senior Centers
Throughout Pennsylvania This Summer

PHILADELPHIA, June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Eight out of ten older Americans have at
least one chronic health problem, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
According to CVS/pharmacy, fifty percent of Medicare Part D participants take
an average of eight or more prescriptions regularly. With increased use of
medications, both prescription and over-the-counter treatments, comes
increased risk of adverse drug interactions and increased costs.

To address this important issue, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and
CVS/pharmacy are bringing the Pack Your Bag(TM) medication consultation
program to Pennsylvania. The program encourages seniors to pack a bag with
their medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications,
and dietary supplements for a comprehensive review in one-on-one consultations
with a local CVS pharmacist. The program also includes a presentation by the
pharmacist on improving health through medication compliance and advice on how
to save money on medications.

A Pack Your Bag program is being held today at the Center in the Park in
Philadelphia and will offer seniors one-on-one medication consultations with
CVS pharmacists. This event is just one of 24 Pack Your Bag events that will
be taking place throughout Pennsylvania this summer.

"The Center in the Park is excited to be participating in the Pack Your Bag
program this summer," said Lynn Harris, Executive Director of the Center in
the Park. "Medication management is an important aspect of healthy aging. The
Pack Your Bag program allows us to provide an important educational service to
the seniors in our community."

In over 5,000 Pack Your Bag consultations since the program's inception last
year, CVS pharmacists have found:

-- 7% of seniors were taking expired medications
-- 15% were not taking medications as prescribed
-- 10% were at risk for potential drug interactions
-- 15% had the opportunity to switch to money-saving generics

"It's important to review your medication regimen with your pharmacist on a
regular basis, especially when filling a new prescription," said William
Hanna, R.Ph., Pharmacy Supervisor at CVS/pharmacy. "For older people who
often see multiple doctors, the pharmacy is a central point of care where
potential drug interactions can be averted. What's more, pharmacists are
aware of the latest generic medications available and can suggest ways our
patients can save money while maintaining good health. This is especially
important in these economic times."

The Pack Your Bag program is available nationwide to senior centers located
within five miles of a CVS/pharmacy store location. Seniors can also visit
their local CVS for a personal consultation with a pharmacist. To find the
CVS/pharmacy nearest you, call 1-800-SHOP-CVS or visit CVS.com.

Below is a list of upcoming Pack Your Bag events scheduled throughout
Pennsylvania. Seniors can sign up to attend by contacting the individual
center directly:

July 7th The Center at Journeys Way, Philadelphia
July 7th Plymouth Senior Center, Plymouth
July 8th Charles T. Adams Center, Wilkes-Barre
July 9th BNai Brith House Senior Center, Allentown
July 9th John F. Kennedy Center, Erie
July 14th Main Street Center, Clarion
July 14th Schaner Senior Adult Center, Enola
July 14th FCCAA Union Town Center, Union Town
July 22nd Bedford Senior Center, Bedford
July 22nd Edwardsville Senior Center, Edwardsville
July 22nd Harleysville Senior Center, Harleysville
July 23rd Philadelphia Housing Authority, Philadelphia
July 29th Blair Senior Center, Altoona
August 4th JCCs Stiffel Senior Center, Philadelphia
August 4th Philadelphia Housing Authority, Philadelphia
August 19th Blair Senior Center, Altoona
August 20th Chaneysville Senior Center, Clearville
August 24th Mohler Senior Center, Hershey

About the National Council on Aging
The National Council on Aging is a non-profit service and advocacy
organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for
older Americans - especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged - and
the community organizations that serve them. It brings together non-profit
organizations, businesses and government to develop creative solutions that
improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of
organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits,
improve their health, live independently and remain active in their
communities. For more information, visit www.ncoa.org.

About CVS/pharmacy
CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is
America's largest retail pharmacy. The Company operates more than 6,900
CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drugs stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving
the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and
pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and
online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is
available at www.cvscaremark.com.

Contacts:
Connie Hofmann
for the National Council on Aging
(215) 219-2943
chofmann@aboutscp.com

Carolyn Castel
CVS/pharmacy
(401) 770-5717
ccastel@cvs.com

Carissa Drew
Weber Shandwick
(617) 520-7070
cdrew@webershandwick.com

SOURCE CVS/pharmacy

Connie Hofmann for the National Council on Aging, +1-215-219-2943,
chofmann@aboutscp.com; or Carolyn Castel, CVS/pharmacy, +1-401-770-5717,
ccastel@cvs.com; or Carissa Drew of Weber Shandwick, +1-617-520-7070,
cdrew@webershandwick.com