CVS Health : Our Supplier Diversity Program is Keeping Pace with Change

Each year, CVS Health delivers health care services in all 50 states and touches the health care of 100 million people, each with unique needs and backgrounds. As our country's demographics change and our patient and customer population becomes increasingly diverse, we are keeping pace by diversifying our workforce and supply chain.

One of our most important tools to make progress in these areas is our Supplier Diversity Program, recognized as one of the most active and progressive programs among U.S. corporations.

Across America, minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) are some of the fastest growing segments of the economy. Our Supplier Diversity Program works with these companies to:

• Build supply chain excellence to provide the best-possible experience for consumers and patients
• Add distinctive goods, services and capabilities to our business offerings
• Create a competitive advantage

Why focus on diversity?

We believe that developing a diverse supply chain and workforce fosters innovation, creates economic opportunities, provides better access to talent, and improves business performance. By supporting diverse suppliers, we can help generate economic activity in the communities where our patients and customers work and live.

Moreover, it's important to think of supplier diversity beyond compliance or that 'it's the right thing to do.' Rather, companies who will succeed in the future are thinking more strategically, integrating supplier diversity with business goals and throughout the organization.

A Multi-Pronged Approach

We use a variety of techniques to develop our suppliers and facilitate their success in the marketplace.

Our Supplier Diversity Program is a valuable resource for MWBEs. Since its launch in 2000, the program has delivered comprehensive company assessments, coaching, guidance and training to better position diverse suppliers who can help us meet our operational needs and advance their own business growth.

Our CVS Health Executive Learning Series is a customized development capacity-building program for diverse suppliers interested in expanding the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to do business with large corporations like CVS Health and to flourish within their own industries.

Our efforts also extend outside of the company through partnership with advocacy organizations that provide educational programs and initiatives to MWBEs. These partnerships include:

• National Minority Supplier Development Council
• Women's Business Enterprise National Council
• National Association of Women Business Owners
• United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

To learn more about how to register with CVS Health as a potential minority- or women-owned supplier, visit http://www.cvssuppliers.com/supplier-diversity.

Watch a video about our Supplier Diversity Program.