CVS Spoken Rx November 2021 Press Release

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This page is a press release from CVS and the American Council of the Blind. Talking prescription labels are now available in every CVS store in the United States. The CVS talking label program is called Spoken Rx. Talking labels help blind people take their medication safely. They also help others who cannot read a standard print label. This is the first talking label reader built into the mobile application of a national pharmacy chain. For people without a mobile device, CVS also offers a stand-alone speaker. It can read the Spoken Rx labels. CVS and ACB worked on this initiative using the process called Structured Negotiation. That strategy allows people to work together to solve legal problems without conflict, lawsuits, or run-away costs. The second edition of Lainey’s book on Structured Negotiation was published in October 2021.

image of spoken rx from CVS website (the CVS app and prescription bottle)

Congratulations CVS and the American Council of the Blind! Today CVS and ACB announced, in the press release posted here, the availability of talking prescription labels in every CVS Pharmacy location in the United States. This announcement resulted from a collaborative effort using Structured Negotiation. CVS’ talking prescription program is called Spoken Rx. Spoken Rx adds to the existing braille, audio, and large-print accessible prescription label options already available through cvs.com.


    Spoken Rx™ “Talking” Prescription Labels Now Available in All CVS Pharmacy Locations

    Spoken Rx is the first in-app prescription reader to be developed by a national retail pharmacy

    WOONSOCKET, RI, November 30, 2021 – CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) is now offering Spoken Rx™, its proprietary audio prescription label solution, in all its nearly 10,000 pharmacy locations nationwide, including more than 1,700 CVS Pharmacy locations within Target. Developed in collaboration with the American Council of the Blind, Spoken Rx is a technology that allows patients to have their prescription information read aloud, designed for those with visual impairments and those who cannot read standard print labels. It is available at no extra cost to patients.

    The Spoken Rx feature, available in the CVS Pharmacy App and easily accessible using Voiceover for iOS, or self-voicing with Siri or Google Assistant on a smartphone, can read a specific type of label which is affixed to the bottom of each prescription container for patients who have enrolled in the program. When these RFID (radio-frequency identification) labels are scanned using the Spoken Rx tab in the CVS App, important prescription information, including patient name, medication name, and directions, will be read aloud in either English or Spanish. Identiv, Inc. (NASDAQ: INVE), a global leader in digital identification and security, powers this groundbreaking program, which CVS developed as part of its commitment to digital health innovation.

    We continue to remove barriers to health care for all patients, and this in-app technology furthers our commitment by providing patients added flexibility and independence. Our patients are increasingly digitally connected, so digital tools like Spoken Rx are a priority for us as we listen to feedback and adapt our suite of pharmacy services and programs to ensure we’re best meeting the needs of all consumers.Jared Tancrelle, Senior Vice President, Store Operations at CVS Health.

    Developed in collaboration with the American Council of the Blind, Spoken Rx launched in 1,700 stores in 2020 and is now available chainwide.

    This is a positive step that offers same-day, access for prescriptions filled in CVS stores. Spoken Rx allows for a greater level of privacy, safety, and independence for blind and visually impaired customers. Eric Bridges, Executive Director for the American Council of the Blind

    With the CVS App and a registered CVS account, patients can enroll in Spoken Rx for free over the phone by calling their local pharmacy, or in-store, where a pharmacist can ensure the patient’s app is appropriately set up for the service. For patients without a smart phone, CVS offers an alternative in the form of a stand-alone speaker device that can read the Spoken Rx labels. For more information, visit the Spoken Rx page on the CVS website or call 1-888-287-5654.

    Spoken Rx adds to the existing braille, audio, and large-print accessible prescription label options already available through cvs.com. It is one of the latest features integrated into the CVS App, which makes it easy for patients to stay connected to health resources, refill prescriptions, and make appointments for health services such as vaccinations and testing.

    About CVS Pharmacy

    CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health, is America’s leading retail pharmacy with nearly 10,000 locations, including over 1,700 pharmacies inside of Target and Schnucks grocery stores. We are committed to delivering innovative health solutions that create a simpler, more accessible experience for patients, and caregivers. CVS Pharmacy is the only national pharmacy to remove tobacco products from its shelves and has taken a leadership role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by making testing and vaccinations available at locations across the United States. For the latest product and service offerings, visit www.cvs.com or download the CVS App.

    About American Council of the Blind (ACB)

    The American Council of the Blind is a national member-driven consumer organization representing Americans who are blind and visually impaired. During the organization’s 60-year history, ACB has become a leader in national, state, local, and even international advocacy efforts. With 68 affiliates, ACB strives to increase independence, security, equality of opportunity, and to improve the quality of life for all people who are blind and visually impaired. For more information, visit www.acb.org.

    Media contacts

    Matthew Blanchette
    CVS Health
    401-524-6185

    Jennifer Flatt
    American Council of the Blind
    (202) 929-3842