More and more, pharmacies are integrating themselves into the healthcare business, many by providing in-store clinics to customers. It’s a good move that should make it easier for people to get immunization, see about a sore throat or take care of other straight-forward medical issues.

Now comes news that CVS pharmacy will stop selling tobacco products by October. It’s a move that more pharmacies — and other retailers — should take to improve the  nation’s health. Tobacco products, after all, are linked to particularly deadly forms of cancer.

It’s possible that this move will cost CVS money. But how can a pharmacy that provides an in-store health care clinic not do this if it’s serious about their customers’ health? Perhaps that’s why the American Public Health Association called it a “historic decision,” and the American Association of Cancer Research called it a “visionary move.”

Other pharmacy chains, both local and national, are adding clinics to their stores. They should follow the lead of CVS and put their customers’ health first. Who will be next?

– Craig Groshart, Bellevue Reporter