Senate Measure Recognizes Value of Convenient Care

National Convenient Care Clinic Week, held August 2-8, broadcasts the benefits of offering patients high-quality care in convenient locations.

Recognizing the importance of convenient care clinics (CCCs) in delivering affordable, accessible health care to patients, the US Senate recently passed a resolution designating this week, August 2-8, National Convenient Care Clinic Week.

Introduced by Senators Daniel Inouye (D, HI) and Thad Cochran (R, MS), the measure is a symbolic step towards incorporating convenient care clinics into the heath care delivery model as a way to reduce costs and increase access to medical care.

The week of observance was originally launched by the Convenient Care Association (CCA) to “celebrate the role of retail-based clinics and practitioners in complementing traditional medical service providers.” Following acknowledgement from the Senate, CCA aims to use the week to raise awareness of CCCs—particularly their ability to increase capacity and meet the tremendous needs anticipated as health care reform is implemented.

“We are very excited to launch Convenient Care Week," said Tinne Hansen-Turton, CCA’s executive director. “Convenient care clinics and their providers are part of the solution to ensure that all Americans have access to quality primary care when and where they need it at a price they can afford.”

According to a CCA factsheet, CCCs have provided more than 3.5 million patients with treatment for common ailments, as well as a variety of routine health services, including physical examinations, vaccinations, screenings, and preventive care.

Walgreens’ Take Care Health Systems, which operates walk-in clinics in more than 350 Walgreens drug stores nationwide, was among the many organizations who thanked the senators for unanimously passing the measure. Walgreens is a member of the Pharmacy Times Strategic Alliance Program.

“We are honored to see the US Senate recognize the contribution of convenient care clinics to the health care delivery system,” said Hal F. Rosenbluth, Walgreens senior vice president, president of Walgreens health and wellness division, and co-founder of Take Care Health Systems.

For other articles in this issue, see:

• Drug Shortages the Worst in 30 Years, ISMP Reports
• FDA Finalizes Guidance for OTC Label Comprehension Studies
• As Flu Season Approaches, Vaccines Ship to Distributors