On the recordMarch 8, 2011
I rise today in advance of the Third Annual National Association of Chain Drug Stores RxIMPACT Day to recognize pharmacy contributions to the American health care system. Over the course of the next 2 days, over 300 members of the pharmacy community, including practicing pharmacists, pharmacy school faculty and students, State pharmacy leaders and pharmacy company executives, will visit Capitol Hill to share their views with Congress about the importance of protecting access to neighborhood pharmacies and utilizing pharmacists to improve quality and reduce health costs. Pharmacists play an important role in improving our health care system by providing services and expertise that help patients manage their medications and overall health. In many communities, pharmacists are the most accessible health care provider group. Today's pharmacies offer a variety of preventive healthcare services including immunizations and vaccinations, health screening services, disease management services and routine advice on the best and most effective over-the-counter products for patients' specific needs. Through medication therapy management, MTM, pharmacists reduce medical errors and help patients manage and adhere to their prescribed therapies. Drug therapy management services can play a critical role in improving the quality of care and containing health care costs, as these services help patients make the best possible use of their medications.
