Pharmacists Perform Health Screenings on Capitol Hill to Demonstrate Care Services

PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC (September 18, 2014) — Yesterday, more than 50 DC-area pharmacists and student pharmacists administered flu shots and performed free health screenings on Capitol Hill to demonstrate the value of pharmacist-provided patient care services. The flu shots, medication consultations and health screenings, including bone density, body composition, glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure, were given to more than 200 members of Congress, staff, aides and the general public, in the Rayburn Foyer of the House of Representatives.

“America’s pharmacists are highly qualified to optimize medication use as an integral and essential part of the health care team,” stated APhA Executive Vice President and CEO, Thomas E. Menighan, BSPharm, MBA, ScD (Hon), FAPhA. “APhA thanks all of the pharmacists and student pharmacists who eagerly volunteered for yesterday’s health fair. Their service is a clear indication that we’re not only prepared, but eager and willing to work as part of that team. This event was a key step in our quest to give consumers access to pharmacists’ services. By demonstrating for Congress the patient care services pharmacists provide in their communities every day, we ensure these important figures understand the essential role pharmacists play in improving patient care and the health care system.”

“As co-chair of the House Community Pharmacy Caucus, I am proud to sponsor this event with Congressman Peter Welch in collaboration with the pharmacists who make a difference in the lives of patients every day,” said Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA), co-chair of the Congressional Community Pharmacy Caucus. “Our pharmacists are not only medication experts who ensure patients receive optimal attention when it comes to managing their medications, but they are also helping to provide access to care for Americans, particularly those in rural areas, by including the type of health screenings provided at today’s event.”

“Pharmacists are the only health care provider some people in will see on a regular basis. There are pharmacists and drugstores in almost every small, rural community, while physicians, nurse practitioners and hospitals may be many miles away,” stated Rep. Brett Guthrie, Kentucky, lead co-sponsor of H.R 4190, a bi-partisan bill that would increase patient access to pharmacists’ patient care services."

The Hill health fair was hosted by the Congressional Community Pharmacy Caucus, the American Pharmacists Association, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association. Several Washington DC-area pharmacies and schools of pharmacy provided invaluable time and support to showcase the services pharmacists are providing in their communities.

• Howard University College of Pharmacy
• Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy
• Shenandoah University Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy
• University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
• Walgreens

About the American Pharmacists Association

The American Pharmacists Association, founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, is a 501 (c)(6) organization, representing more than 62,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA, dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance patient care, is the first-established and largest association of pharmacists in the United States. For more information, please visit www.pharmacist.com.