Pharmacists demonstrate value of pharmacist-provided care via Capitol Hill health fair

WASHINGTON — More than 50 Washington, D.C.-area pharmacists and student pharmacists administered flu shots and performed free health screenings on Capitol Hill on Wednesday 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 healthcare team,” said APhA EVP and CEO Thomas Menighan. “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 healthcare system.”



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 hosted the health fair.



Several Washington, D.C.-area pharmacies and schools of pharmacy provided time and support to showcase the services pharmacists are providing in their communities, including:

• 
  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; and


• 
  Walgreens.

“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 are 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,” said 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.