21^st International Pharmaceutical Conference and Expo

Public Health

Pharmacy professionals have a valuable role in the nation's public health, as one of the most accessible health care providers. This section focuses on important public health-related topics.

Health Literacy

Significant problems can occur when patients are unable to read and/or understand important information about taking medications properly. Assessing a patient's literacy level is an important component in providing medication therapy management services. APhA is a member of the Partnership for Clear Health Communication, a coalition that has developed resources for health care providers and patients to address health literacy issues.

Immunizations

Pharmacist Immunization Center - Pharmacists in all 50 states are authorized to administer immunizations under collaborative practice agreements with physicians. Pharmacists in all practice settings also play an important role in educating patients about immunizations. APhA’s Pharmacist Immunization Center contains valuable, up-to-date information about providing immunization services. Visit the Center to learn more about how APhA is positioning pharmacists to excel as immunizers.

Substance Abuse

APhA Pharmacy Recovery Program APhA's Pharmacy Recovery Program, established in 1982, fosters the development and strengthening of state and campus level programs to assist pharmacists and student pharmacists whose competence has been compromised by the disease of chemical dependency or by other causes.

Pharmacist Recovery Network "Pharmacists Helping Pharmacists"

Syringe Disposal

Coalition for Safe Community Needle Disposal - The Safe Community Needle Disposal Coalition contains information on proper needle disposal. Improper disposal of used syringes and needles in the trash presents a public health hazard to workers in the waste removal and hotel industries and individuals who may be inadvertently exposed to a used needle.