CVS Is Offering Free Health Screenings in 11 Metro Areas (Plus a $5 Coupon)

CVS has a free offer that could save your life.

Through December, the nationwide pharmacy chain is offering free health screenings — normally priced at more than $100 — in select cities. Plus, they’ll give you a $5 coupon to use on store brands just for taking advantage of this freebie.

The company calls the effort, which began in 2006, Project Health. A company spokeswoman says the program aims to help patients identify health concerns and risk factors they may not have otherwise sought treatment for.

Where and When to Find Free Health Screening

CVS Pharmacy locations in 11 major metropolitan areas are offering free checks for:

  • Body mass index (to help determine the risk for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease)
  • Blood pressure (to help determine the risk of heart disease and stroke)
  • Glucose (to help determine whether a patient has diabetes)
  • Total cholesterol (to help determine the risk for clogged arteries, heart disease and stroke)

The checks are available Thursdays through Sundays at rotating stores in these areas:

  • Atlanta
  • Boston-Rhode Island
  • Chicago
  • Dallas-Fort Worth.
  • Detroit
  • Houston
  • Los Angeles
  • Miami
  • New York City
  • Philadelphia
  • Washington, D.C.

No appointment is required.

The screenings will be available through Dec. 16.

Check to see whether a store in your city is participating. And don’t forget to ask for your $5 coupon once you’ve had the tests.

Why Periodic Health Screening Is Important

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a federal agency, says regular health exams and tests can help find problems early, when there’s a better chance for treatment and cure.

“By getting the right health services, screenings and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances for living a longer, healthier life,” according to the CDC.

CVS says it has found significantly higher levels of blood pressure, body mass index, glucose and cholesterol in people tested through Project Health than the CDC says are present in the general population.

Walmart is also offering a slimmed-down version of this wellness event — no free glucose or cholesterol tests — this month for one day only. It’s from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 22. Stop by your local store to get your blood pressure and body mass index checked on what the store is calling Walmart Wellness Day. (Walmart offers additional wellness-check events at other times during the year.)

Susan Jacobson is an editor at The Penny Hoarder. She also writes about wellness.