First DataBank campaign focuses on prevention of medication errors

SAN BRUNO, Calif. First DataBank has launched a new awareness campaign that will focus on the public and industry attention on the prevention of medication errors. The campaign will be unveiled at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society 2008 Annual Conference Exhibition to be held Feb. 24-28, in Orlando.

The theme of the campaign is, “A World Free of Medication Errors.” First DataBank is trying to raise awareness that its medication information systems can play a vital role in the prevention of medication errors. Experts estimate that as many as 98,000 people die each year from medical errors that occur in hospitals and a significant number of those deaths are due to medication-related errors.

Throughout every public event in which First DataBank participates in 2008, the company will set aside five dollars toward wristbands distributed that will be shared equally by two non-profit organizations. The two organizations chosen by First DataBank to share in the funds raised throughout the campaign year are: Families Launching Action Against Medication Errors and the Josie King Foundation.

“The employees at First DataBank are passionately committed to improving patient safety and healthcare quality in everything we do,” said Don Nielsen, president of First DataBank. “The knowledge that our drug information plays a significant role in the prevention of harmful medication errors was our inspiration for this campaign and our hope is that it motivates others to join with us,” he continued.