Article
Pharmacy Technicians Killed in Orlando Shooting Remembered
Author(s):
Two pharmacy technicians were among the victims of the deadliest mass shooting in US history.
Two pharmacy technicians were among the victims of the deadliest mass shooting in US history.
Amanda Alvear, CPhT, and Stanley Almodovar III, CPhT, among 47 other individuals, were killed on June 12, 2016, during a mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. An additional 53 individuals were wounded.
A photo posted by Pharmacy Times (@pharmacytimes) on
Jun 13, 2016 at 7:37pm PDT
The gunman, who was identified as Omar Mateen, was killed during a standoff with law enforcement officers.
Alvear, 25, worked as a pharmacy technician while attending nursing school at the University of South Florida. According to her brother, she frequently visited gay and lesbian clubs because she felt that they were fun and safe places where she could be herself.
“She wouldn't want anyone to spread hate for her,” her brother told the Orlando Sentinel. “She’d rather they spread more love, keep friends and family, and have a good time doing it.”
Almodovar, 23, worked in the pharmacy unit of Aetna’s Tampa office. Described by his aunt as “an amazing person with a good soul,” he was seen pushing others away from the line of fire during the attack, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
In recognition of the tragedy, Aetna lowered their flags, including their LGBT pride flag, to half-staff. The company has also made counseling available to its employees.
“The company continues to investigate how this act of terror and hate may have hurt members of the Aetna employee, customer and member communities, to whom we extend our support, our sympathy, and our solidarity,” a press release from the company stated.
Following the release of Almodovar and Alvear’s names, pharmacy technicians and pharmacists took to social media, including the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Facebook page, to pay their respects to their fellow health care professionals.
“We were deeply saddened to learn that Amanda Alvear and Stanley Almodovar III lost their lives in the Orlando tragedy this weekend. As PTCB-certified pharmacy technicians, Amanda and Stanley demonstrated dedication to their roles in pharmacy,” PTCB executive director and CEO Everett B. McAllister, MPA, RPh, told Pharmacy Times. “We have seen an outpouring of condolences for each of them on our own social media pages, and it’s clear that their losses have had a significant impact on the pharmacy community. Our thoughts are with their families, friends, and coworkers.”
Several funds, including the OneOrlando Fund established by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, have been set up to provide financial support to the victims and their families.
