[Diabetes-talk] Fw: [leadership] ACB Reaches Settlement Agreement with CVS.COM for "Talking" Prescription Labels

Tue Mar 18 23:34:58 UTC 2014

FYI ... 

From: Kim.Charlson at Perkins.org 
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2014 11:29 AM
Subject: [leadership] ACB Reaches Settlement Agreement with CVS.COM for "Talking" Prescription Labels

CVS/pharmacy Now Offers “Talking” Prescription Labels for Individuals with Vision Impairments Through its Online Pharmacy

New service on CVS.com is the result of a collaboration with state and national organizations for the blind

Woonsocket, Rhode Island (March 18, 2014) – CVS/pharmacy announced today that it now provides ScripTalk talking prescription labels for prescriptions ordered for home delivery through its online pharmacy, CVS.com. The ScripTalk labels provide a safe and convenient way to access information on prescription labels for individuals who cannot read standard print.  The ScripTalk labels are free to CVS.com pharmacy customers who are blind or visually impaired. Customers can also obtain a free ScripTalk reader from Envision America that will enable them to listen to the information on the ScripTalk label.

“We are pleased to offer the ScripTalk service to our online pharmacy customers who are visually impaired,” said Josh Flum, Senior Vice President of Retail Pharmacy at CVS Caremark. “Enhancing access to important information about prescriptions is in keeping with our purpose of helping people on their path to better health.”

Today’s announcement is the result of collaboration between CVS/pharmacy, the American Foundation for the Blind, American Council of the Blind and California Council of the Blind. These groups applauded CVS/pharmacy’s actions.

“The lack of accessible labels on prescription drug containers puts people with vision loss at serious risk of medication mishaps,” said Paul Schroeder, Vice President of Programs & Policy at the American Foundation for the Blind. “We applaud CVS/pharmacy for taking steps to provide speech access to label information for customers with vision loss along with its willingness to evaluate methods to improve large print labels.” 

“This agreement is a positive step that allows for a greater level of privacy, safety, and independence for blind and visually impaired Americans of all ages who take prescription medications," said Kim Charlson, president of the American Council of the Blind.

 "The California Council of the Blind applauds CVS's willingness to offer access to the information on prescription medication labels.  As a result of this initiative, persons who are blind or visually impaired who use CVS mail order to fill their prescription needs will have the same direct, and independent access to label information as do sighted customers," stated Donna Pomerantz, President, California Council of the Blind. 

To request the labels with a prescription ordered through cvs.com, the number to call at cvs.com is 888-227-3403.  Questions about the ScripTalk system should be directed to Envision America at 800-890-1180. It is recommended that you call cvs.com first.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is America's leading retail pharmacy with more than 7,600 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drug stores. CVS/pharmacy is reinventing pharmacy to help people on their path to better health by providing the most accessible and personalized expertise, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at http://info.cvscaremark.com.

About American Council of the Blind (ACB) and California Council of the Blind (CCB)

American Council of the Blind is a national consumer-based advocacy organization working on behalf of blind and visually impaired Americans throughout the country with members organized through seventy state and special interest affiliates. California Council of the Blind is the California affiliate of the ACB and is a statewide membership organization with 40 local chapters and statewide special interest associations. ACB and CCB are dedicated to improving the quality of life, equality of opportunity and independence of all people who have visual impairments. Their members and affiliated organizations have a long history of commitment to the advancement of policies and programs which will enhance independence for people who are blind and visually impaired. More information about ACB and CCB can be found by visiting www.acb.org and http://www.ccbnet.org.

About American Foundation for the Blind

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB’s priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB is also proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the over forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. For more information visit AFB online at www.afb.org.

Media Contacts:

Mike DeAngelis

CVS/pharmacy

michael.deangelis at cvscaremark.com

401-770-2645

Kim Charlson

President, American Council of the Blind

617-501-5853 

kimcharlson at acb.org 

Adrianna Montague-Devaud 
Chief Communications and Marketing Officer 
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) 
212-502-7615 
amontague at afb.net

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