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Spreading the Word Posted: September 22, 2006
The Invitation What do you do when you are approached to present a program to a group of senior citizens? My first thought was to say thanks, but no thanks, I really don't enjoy speaking in front of groups. But, the more I thought about it, since they had specifically asked for me to speak, I just could not turn them down. Brown bag day was how they advertised the program. Bring your medications to the St. Charles Senior Center and talk with the pharmacist and get your blood pressure taken. This was all to have taken place before they began their morning bingo. Our Calling I have long felt that we, as pharmacists, are not truly living up to our full potential. Succumbing to the daily pressures of our work load, both corporate and self imposed depending on your chosen work environment. Sharing our knowledge, encouraging our patients and providing feedback related to our patients therapy and other factors that affect their health are all areas that we pharmacists can make a difference. Medication Safety The topic of medication safety is one that is not overly complex, but is one that each of our patients needs to hear. Summary The morning of September 22, 2006 arrived, the group of senior citizens gathered in the large community room of the senior center were working on various activities in anticipation of the mornings' program . My topic, medication safety, was well received by the 40 to 50 seniors who were in attendance. I even had 10 people who brought their brown bags to me for my thoughts on their medications. Until this program was completed, I had nervous anticipation. However, if we don't leave our comfort zone nothing beyond our everyday activities will ever be accomplished. One person can make a difference, but let's not stop there. Take the challenge, especially during American Pharmacists Month (October 2006) and make a difference in your patients' lives. I guess it did go well, since at the end of the program the sponsors asked me to look at my calendar to see if I could do it again in another senior center. R. Mr. Cecil, RPh, MA Graduated: St. Louis College of Pharmacy, 1978, (BS), Webster University 1980 (MA) Employed: Pharmacy Manager, Walgreen Pharmacy, St. Charles, MO Email: info@rxpatient.com Links: ASHP Health System Pharmacy 2015 Initiative Let us know what you think! Respond to this article. 
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