WOONSOCKET, R.I., July 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health
(NYSE: CVS) today announced it will invest nearly $600 million over five years to advance employee,
community and public policy initiatives that address inequality
faced by Black people and other disenfranchised communities. The
investment follows a commitment from President and CEO Larry Merlo to evaluate how the company operates
and how it can use its influence to be a force for good in
communities across the country.
"Our nearly 300,000 employees are a microcosm of America, and a
reflection of the diversity that is foundational to who we are as a
country," said Merlo. "The strategic agenda we're laying out today
will harness the strength of that diversity and focus on the areas
where we can have the greatest impact."
CVS Health's investment will focus on improving the employee
experience, supporting communities the company serves, and
influencing public policy. Collectively the company will invest
nearly $600 million in the following
areas to build on its longstanding commitment to diversity:
- Mentoring, sponsorship, development and advancement of diverse
employees;
- Company-wide training and corporate culture programs, with a
focus on promoting inclusion;
- Partnership and development programs for CVS Health's diverse
suppliers;
- Workforce initiatives, including building on the company's
highly successful partnerships to provide employment services and
training to underserved communities;
- Social determinants of health, with a particular emphasis on
increasing access to affordable housing, which is inextricably
linked to health;
- Access to health care, including expanding Project Health and
other investments that address health disparities; and
- Partnerships with civil rights and social justice organizations
to support shared goals.
CVS Health will also use its position to advocate for public
policy that addresses the root causes of systemic inequalities and
barriers, including efforts to address socioeconomic status,
education, and access to health care.
"The private sector must take action to get to the heart of
institutional racism," Merlo continued. "As we learn from the
perspectives of our Black colleagues and the diverse communities we
serve, we'll use that input to inform our advocacy agenda going
forward."
About CVS Health
CVS Health employees are united
around a common goal of becoming the most consumer-centric health
company. We're evolving based on changing consumer needs and
meeting people where they are, whether that's in the community at
one of our nearly 10,000 local touchpoints, in the home, or in the
palm of their hand. Our newest offerings – from HealthHUB®
locations that are redefining what a pharmacy can be, to innovative
programs that help manage chronic conditions – are designed to
create a higher-quality, simpler and more affordable experience.
Learn more about how we're transforming health at
www.cvshealth.com.
Media Contact:
Erin Britt
erin.britt@cvshealth.com
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SOURCE CVS Health