3.27.2008 - 10:11am ET

(CSRwire) WASHINGTON, March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Aging in America Conference today in Washington, D.C., CVS/pharmacy and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) announced a three-year extension of their partnership created to improve the health and well-being of older Americans. Their joint "Prescription for Better Health" program, underway since 2007, provides improved access to health education and senior benefits through the nationwide networks of over 6,300 CVS/pharmacy stores and NCOA's Senior Center members and other affiliated community-based organizations.

"In the first year of our relationship with CVS/pharmacy, we've been able to touch an encouraging number of seniors in communities across the country, providing education on medications and benefits of importance to seniors," said James Firman, President and CEO of NCOA. "We're delighted to extend this partnership so these efforts can continue to grow."

Components of the "Prescription for Better Health" program include:

-- Medication Management: CVS pharmacists host information sessions at NCOA-affiliated organizations that focus on managing medications effectively and preventing possible drug interactions. Attendees have the opportunity to review their medications with a CVS pharmacist and receive tips on medication management.

-- Education: CVS/pharmacy and NCOA inform seniors about taking better care of their health through the availability of educational resources in CVS/pharmacy locations nationwide. On an ongoing basis, the CVS/pharmacy Wellness Information Centers offer information on health issues, disease states, and advice for caregivers.

-- Access: CVS/pharmacy is helping to make seniors and caregivers aware of the NCOA BenefitsCheckUp(R) tool, the nation's most comprehensive Web-based service to screen for benefits programs for seniors with limited income and resources. BenefitsCheckUp includes more than 1,550 public and private benefits programs from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, ranging from energy assistance and nutrition programs to Extra Help through Medicare Part D and income supplements. CVS/pharmacy and NCOA offer a co-branded version of the site at www.benefitscheckup.org/cvs. Informational brochures are available in CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide.

-- Prevention: CVS/pharmacy offers free health screenings in select markets with community outreach supported by the NCOA. In 2008, CVS/pharmacy is conducting screenings to evaluate blood and cholesterol levels, bone density and hearing in selected stores. In addition, CVS/pharmacy offers flu vaccinations during cold and flu season.

A new component moving forward will be joint CVS/pharmacy and NCOA research initiatives that promise to yield new insights on seniors and medication trends, providing important data to enhance "Prescription for Better Health" programs.

"With the oldest of the baby boomers turning 62 this year, it's more important than ever to have resources readily available to seniors and their caregivers to guide them through health issues and give them a better understanding of their medications," said Larry Merlo, President of CVS/pharmacy. "Our partnership with the NCOA is proving to be a very effective way to make resources easily accessible at the community level. We're very excited to continue the good work we've begun."

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is America's largest retail pharmacy with more than 6,300 retail locations. 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 http://www.cvs.com/pressroom, as well as http://investor.cvs.com.

About the National Council on Aging

Founded in 1950, the National Council on Aging has a mission to improve the lives of older Americans. NCOA programs help older people remain healthy and independent, find jobs, increase access to benefits programs, and discover meaningful ways to continue contributing to society. A charitable organization with a national network of more than 14,000 organizations and leaders, NCOA is based in Washington, DC. For more information about NCOA, please visit www.NCOA.org.

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