As a proud member of FEMA's National Preparedness Month Coalition, the California Pharmacists Association has coordinated with pharmacies throughout the state to help citizens prepare for emergencies and natural disasters in their area. The theme of this year's National Preparedness Month is "Resolve to be Ready." All citizens are urged to "get a kit, make a plan, be informed and get involved." Pharmacies stand ready to help their patients prepare by providing shopping lists for supplies, and pre-packaged emergency supply kits. In addition, pharmacies have access to vital community resources that will provide emergency resources and volunteer opportunities for those individuals who want to volunteer.
“Additionally, pharmacists can advise patients about a variety of medical needs and provide detailed medication counseling for those with chronic conditions and special needs.”
"Pharmacists and pharmacies are the most accessible healthcare providers in California communities. As a result, they are the perfect resource for consumers to utilize in obtaining emergency supplies for general preparedness efforts, but also for medical emergencies," states Lynn Rolston, CEO of the California Pharmacists Association. "Additionally, pharmacists can advise patients about a variety of medical needs and provide detailed medication counseling for those with chronic conditions and special needs."
Disasters often strike with little or no warning. While many Americans have heeded the message to prepare, the vast majority have not. National Preparedness Month is the perfect way to spread this important message and to provide vital resources. CPhA encourages the public to look for emergency supplies in their local pharmacies, and encourages the healthcare community to be especially prepared in the event that their medical expertise is needed. To download useful checklists for general purposes, as well as for specific patient populations with special needs, visit www.cpha.com.
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