Loading ...April is the month Pharmacists Planning Service, Inc., a California non-profit corporation, shines the light on diabetes and education. Typically pharmacists might provide blood glucose screenings, community outreach/education programs, or establish an event to raise money for the American Diabetes Association or diabetes awareness.
While April does spotlight diabetes education and prevention, for Medco – a leading healthcare company, every month is Diabetes Awareness month, says Merri Pendergrass, M.D., vice president, national practice leader of Medco Diabetes Therapeutic Resource Center. “We have a Diabetes Therapeutic Resource Center which contains a core team of specialized pharmacists dedicated to Medco members with diabetes on a 24/7 basis,” she explains. Medco’s diabetes specialist pharmacists work closely with their members, are familiar with the needs of those with diabetes and specialize specifically in the treatment of the condition. On a daily basis the pharmacists help members manager their medications, alert them of any safety issues, gaps or omissions in care, and offer lower cost therapy options and diabetes education, says Pendergrass.
“The first priority is always to ensure the safety of those with diabetes, which starts with making sure they take the right medication as prescribed. This important combination helps them lead happier and healthier lives, which helps keep their overall health costs lower,” says Pendergrass.
Additionally, Medco pharmacists discuss mail order pharmacy options or generic alternatives to the patient’s current medication – two simple ways those with diabetes can save money on their prescriptions each month.
Pharmacists elsewhere are rallying not only during April, but daily. Through a partnership with the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), over the past year, Walgreens of South Florida has had several ongoing fundraising and awareness effort with the 265 Walgreens across South Florida. For example, in February there was an event, Touchdown to Healthier Living, on the Florida Memorial University campus where Walgreen’s offered students free screening for diabetes; cholesterol; body mass index; and blood pressure. Walgreen’s regional employee charity softball tournament benefits DRI. At Walgreen’s in South Florida you’ll find collection canisters with the words, “Help Cure Diabetes Now,” on register countertops and employees wearing buttons with the same words.
Mark Paley, director of the For Good Health Group, Carnegie-Sargent’s Pharmacy and Health Center in Chicago says he makes himself available for walk-ins or appointments during normal business owners. If needed other times, there is a 24/7 paging service for emergencies. “A wealth of social services is available, federally, state and locally. We offer a service called Care Management, where we connect those in need with qualified providers,” adds Paley.
There’s much that pharmacists can do in April and beyond. Pharmacists can help their patients use medications optimally to receive the greatest benefit. Pharmacists can also educate patients about assistance programs or work with patients and their doctors to help them choose the most therapeutically appropriate and cost effective medications and products, like generic medications or certain type of glucometer or other supplies to accommodate their unique needs and insurance coverage.
Says John Norton, spokesperson for the National Community Pharmacists Association, “Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare provider and are available to help guide patients about managing their condition.”
For more information on diabetes and education, and to take your free Risk Test visit: Do You Have Diabetes?
By: Sheryl Nance-Nash
Credit: http://www.positiveside.ca/e/V7I1/Pharmacist_e.htm
