Walmart offers $9 smoking cessation kits

Walmart announced this week that as part of its Operation Main Street initiative, it will offer a smoking cessation prescription starter pack for $9. According to Walmart the $9 starter pack of bupropion ER 150mg is the lowest priced on the market and the generic equivalent of Zyban. The starter pack is available at Walmart, Neighborhood Market and Sam's Club pharmacies in a 17-tablet, 10-day supply.

"Times are tight right now, and Walmart is committed to helping our customers maintain their healthy lifestyles in both good economic times and bad," said Dr. John Agwunobi, Walmart SVP and president of health and wellness. "With our affordable smoking cessation offerings, we're hopeful that smokers who are committed to quitting will be able to get the tools they need to stop smoking and still be able to afford everyday household items so they can live better."

The health community applauded Walmart for its efforts in helping smokers find affordable ways to quit.

"The public health community has long recognized that the cost of either cigarettes or smoking cessation medications has served as a determining factor for smokers to continue smoking or finally to decide to quit," said Cheryl Healton, Dr. P.H., president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation. "This move by Walmart to provide science-based smoking cessation therapies that smokers can more easily afford is a huge step forward in helping millions of smokers finally quit for good. We applaud Walmart and hope other retailers will follow their example. It can only result in longer, healthier lives."