APhA, ADA announce new collaboration

WASHINGTON — A new partnership aims to educate pharmacists, other healthcare professionals, caregivers and patients about diabetes and about how pharmacists can work with physicians to help patients manage the condition.

The American Pharmacists Association, the APhA Foundation and the American Diabetes Association announced the collaboration Friday, saying it would develop new resources and also promote existing programs, such as the ADA's Stop Diabetes Movement and the APhA's Pharmaceutical Care for Patients with Diabetes certification program.

"Pharmacists are the medication experts and the most accessible healthcare provider," APhA EVP and CEO Thomas Menighan said. "According to the CDC, 84% of adults with diabetes are using medications as therapy. There may be several different medications these patients are taking, and this is an excellent opportunity for pharmacists to talk with these patients and ensure that the patients understand the medications and the conditions they are trying to treat."