Patients sometimes don’t even realize that there is a pharmacy department in the hospital or that pharmacists are key members of the patient’s healthcare team. That’s why ASHP created the Just Ask! Campaign. This program is designed to increase the visibility of pharmacists and pharmacy departments among hospital patients, visitors, and staff. For the starter pack, click on the picture below.

Idaho Hospital Reports Drug Shortage
In continuing coverage, the Seattle-based Northwest Cable News (9/30, Brennan) reports that in Idaho, approximately a dozen of about "two hundred drugs that are on the shortage list...are cancer-fighting drugs." David Wilson, the manager of Oncology Pharmacies at St. Luke's Hospital in Boise, said that "shortages of cancer drugs are a special concern, because patients are feeling like those are life and death treatments for them."
CDC Promotes Flu Vaccine
American Medical News (9/30, Fiegl) reports that there will be "about 170 million doses" of flu vaccine "available this season. ... The vaccine contains the same three strains as in the previous season's vaccine, but nearly everyone is being encouraged to be vaccinated again." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Thomas Frieden said, "This is a great time to get vaccinated -- the sooner the better."
One-Quarter Of US Adults Received Hypertension Treatment In 2008
HealthDay (9/30, Dallas) reports, "One-quarter of American adults received treatment for high blood
pressure in 2008, according to new research from the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality." The research indicated that "of those 55.1 million people with high blood pressure...29 percent were black patients who incurred more than $1,000 in medical costs." The report "revealed that 25 percent of white adults were treated for high blood pressure in 2008, compared to 15 percent of Hispanics and 20 percent of people of other races."
Treasure Valley Drug Drop Off Programs
Scientists have shown that the drinking water of 41 million Americans has trace amounts of pharmaceuticals (full story), and pharmacists recommend against flushing unwanted drugs.
Treasure Valley pharmacists and local law enforcement promote programs that allow residents a convenient way to safely dispose of unused prescription and OTC medications, to keep drugs out the wrong hands and out of our water.
People with unwanted medications and old prescriptions can get rid of them safely -- for free.
- Medications must be bagged.
- Liquid containers must be sealed in plastic bags.
- Needles and aerosol cans are not allowed
Drop-off bins are at these locations:
- Boise City Hall West
- Ada County Sheriff's Office
- Garden City Police Station
- Meridian Police Department
For more information, click here.