SAN FRANCISCO -- Health Mart, McKesson Corp.'s network of independently owned pharmacies, has launched Health Across America: Pharmacists Partnering in Diabetes Care, a campaign it is sponsoring with Bayer Diabetes Care and Novo Nordisk AS.
The mobile campaign, which includes a multicity bus tour this summer, aims to spotlight the role that community pharmacists can play in supporting the early detection and daily management of diabetes. The effort will provide free diabetes screenings at community events and Health Mart pharmacies across the country.
'I've worked with my community pharmacist for years to help manage my diabetes, and I encourage others with diabetes or chronic conditions to engage in healthy conversations with their pharmacists to help improve their health,' said Erik Chopin, a winning contestant of 'The Biggest Loser' reality television show and Health Across America's spokesman.
'Pharmacists are experts in such topics as diabetes education, nutrition and exercise, blood sugar monitoring, insulin delivery, and the management of multiple medications. They can also work with local physicians to discuss other clinical issues related to their patients' health.'
Health Mart pharmacists work with doctors, diabetes educators, caregivers and family members to provide personalized, affordable care in more than 2,000 communities across the United States. Pharmacists also provide health screenings for conditions other than diabetes, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
'Community pharmacists are essential players on the health care team, and have the expertise, time and passion for talking to patients about their health concerns,' says David Sedrak, owner of the Med Rx Health Mart Pharmacy in Escondido, Calif. 'With Health Across America, we're helping connect Health Mart pharmacists to people with diabetes and those at risk of developing the disease to ensure they receive personalized care to successfully manage their diabetes and live full and active lives.
'People with diabetes and other chronic conditions can benefit greatly from the deep clinical knowledge and personal counseling services that community pharmacists provide.'
Health Mart president Tim Canning adds that pharmacists are demonstrating their commitment to serving as important community-based health care resources. 'Health Mart pharmacies are locally owned and operated by a member of the community,' he notes. 'This results in a deeper understanding of the local community and its specific health issues and needs, and allows Health Mart pharmacists to provide their patients with a high level of personalized care and attention.'
Nancy Katz, regional head for North America at Bayer Diabetes Care, notes that the company strives to help simplify life for people with diabetes.
'By bringing the extensive resources of the community pharmacist right to the doorstep of people with diabetes, Health Across America is surely going to simplify the sometimes challenging and complex task of managing diabetes day to day,' she says. 'Bayer applauds this effort and hopes it makes a far-reaching impact on communities everywhere.'
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
At Novo Nordisk, senior medical adviser Nathaniel Clark agrees that community pharmacists are key players in helping patients manage their diabetes. 'They have greater access to patients than any other health care team member and know to what extent patients are actually taking their medications. They are the link between the patient and the prescribing provider.'
