Pharmacies Take Part in Diabetes Initiatives
Retail pharmacies and pharmacists across the country continue to make major strides in helping diabetes patients, reports Chain Drug Review.
NACDS, the Food and Drug Administration and the American Diabetes Association
(ADA) are coordinating the “Take Time to Care” program in which chain pharmacies
in 10 cities will conduct more than 250 free diabetes risk-assessment events
through June 22. About 21,000 chain drug stores are participating in the initiative
by providing women with information about diabetes.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, about nine million
women have diabetes (including an estimated three million women who do not even
know they have the disease). Women are more likely to develop diabetes and to
experience more serious complications than men.
Eckerd Corp. and Walgreen Co. are among the retailers focusing on helping children through their support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Walgreens was one of seven corporate partners that have raised one million or more dollars for diabetes research. Eckerd customers, associates and vendors have donated more than $140,000 to facilitate research through the sale of paper sneakers and through a benefit golf tournament, according to Eckerd chairman and chief executive officer Wayne Harris.
Familymeds Inc. launched a pilot program that offers pharmacy-based education to members of Aetna Health plans in March. The Hartford, Conn., and Houston market-begun initiative carried out with Control Diabetes Services Inc., incorporates a 12-hour curriculum that includes a treatment plan approved by a nurse and a comprehensive diet plan written by a dietitian. A Familymeds pharmacist trained and certified in diabetes care provides all classroom and individual patient education.
Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM) held a Diabetes Day on March 7. Patients scheduled consultations with SDM’s HealthWatch pharmacists.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. sets aside each September to provide diabetes risks tests and distributes information, health tips and resources to those with diabetes, often in consultation with local dietitians, endocrinologists, suppliers and other groups. It also sells ReliOn, a private brand diabetes kit exclusive to Wal-Mart, which includes alcohol swabs and sanitizers, lancets, glucose tablets, human insulin, insulin syringes and skin care products.
Moderator Comment: Are retailers doing enough to address
the near epidemic rise of diabetes in the US? [George
Anderson – Moderator]