THE PERSONAL TOLL - Georgia Pharmacy Association
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DIABETES PROGRAMS FOR PHARMACISTS p. 10 | GPHA EDUCATION FOR 2020 p. 12 October/November2019 THE PERSONAL TOLL It’s more than a “crisis” or an “epidemic” — addiction destroys lives. Pharmacists are stepping up, but there’s a long way to go. Davis Owen, April 27, 1993 – March 4, 2014, Kennesaw, Georgia
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Tomorrow.
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contents
14 THE PERSONAL TOLL
More Americans die each year from
opioid overdoses than in the entire
Vietnam War, and each one has a
story. Davis Owens was 20 when he
overdosed — read his ... and read how
pharmacists can help.
Pictured: Davis Owens (right) died of an opioid
overdose in 2014. His story is one of thousands.
6 23
shout outs postscript
New members, GPhAers in the The winding road of knowledge
news, a Mercer update, plus the President Chris Thurmond
latest entries into the 100% Club didn’t take the direct route to his
pharmacy career, but he knows he
8 made the right call.
3
students 6
Meet GPhA’s new Student 24
2 Leadership Board the back page
prescript 20
PharmPAC The lighter side of pharmacy
Playing ball 10 and healthcare news
Investors in the future of
As fall begins, CEO Bob Coleman diabetes pharmacy in Georgia
talks about how GPhA is getting Check out these two programs for
ready for a big 2020. pharmacists to help their diabetic 22
patients contact us
3 20
Who does what at GPhA —
quick hits 12 and how to reach us
Fighting the Centene- education
WellCare merger, USP changes, A look at GPhA’s plans for 2020
trying to end DIR fees, and more 24
6
Georgia Pharmacy magazine Chief Executive Officer Editor SUBSCRIPTIONS
is the official publication of the Bob Coleman Andrew Kantor Georgia Pharmacy is distributed as a regular
Georgia Pharmacy Association. Director of Communication membership service, paid for with membership dues.
President and Chair of the Board Single issues are $10 per issue domestic and $20
akantor@gpha.org
Chris Thurmond international. Practicing Georgia pharmacists who are
Unless otherwise noted, the entire contents
Art Director not members of GPhA are not eligible for subscriptions.
of this publication is licensed under a Creative President-Elect
Carole Erger-Fass
Commons Attribution-NonCommercial- Wes Chapman POSTAL
ShareAlike 4.0 International license. Direct any Georgia Pharmacy (ISSN 1075-6965) is published
Immediate Past President
questions to the editor at akantor@gpha.org. ADVERTISING bi-monthly by GPhA, 6065 Barfield Road NE, Suite
Liza Chapman
All advertising inquiries should be directed to 100 Sandy Springs, GA, 30328. Periodicals postage
Kenna Little at klittle@gpha.org or paid at Atlanta, GA and at additional mailing offices.
(404) 419-8129. Media kit and rates available POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Georgia
upon request. Pharmacy magazine, 6065 Barfield Road NE, Suite 100,
Sandy Springs, GA 30328.
October/November 2019 Georgia Pharmacy 1
PRESCRIPT
From the CEO
Playing ball
Fall: when thoughts turn to the convention (which we wrote about last month)
best time to go for a drive to members have attended two sold-out events
catch the fall colors, hopefully during Braves baseball games. And our techni-
a bit of relief from the summer cian members are planning a member meeting
heat (where as I write this, it’s in early May, so PARTICIPATE!
supposed to be 95 degrees!), And most importantly, fall is when we prepare
and last but certainly not least, for the next year’s legislative session. Data are
BOB COLEMAN college football! From Bulldogs gathered to support our position on legislation
to Bears, and even a War Eagle we plan to introduce next year. Networking
or two, college football dominates social media, begins with key legislators, staff, officials, and
sports news, and even water cooler discussions. — you might be surprised by this — even those
And while it’s great to have college sports as we know who will adamantly be in opposition.
a diversion, fall represents a time for GPhA to As you may recall, this year’s anti-steering bill
focus on our objectives and (I hope you’ll forgive becomes effective January 1, 2020. We will be
me for this) keep our eye on the ball. actively pushing for enforcement of the provi-
September represents the end of our regular sions of this law and working with members to
member renewal period and the beginning of provide examples of violations.
late renewal. Each year, an enormous amount For next year’s session, GPhA will be address-
of time and effort goes into GPhA staff reaching ing issues in Medicaid managed care and seeking
out by phone, e-mail, and even those annoying solutions that improve patient care, save the
robo-calls to ask members to renew. The good state money, and improve reimbursements for
news is, most members simply forgot, or their pharmacies. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that
renewal notice is somewhere on their desks! there needs to be a change. The solution may not
My ask of you is, if you are not currently on be simple, but our objective is to simply remedy
auto-renewal your membership, please drop us this situation.
an e-mail or call and let us set you up. It will save You are probably aware that some states, like
both you and GPhA a bunch of time! West Virginia, are considering or have moved
Fall also represents a planning period for away from managed care; the state has tak-
GPhA. Next year, we will continue to expand en over Medicaid management. Whatever the
our educational offerings, revise and update our solution, conditions in managed care affect all
news and information, provide opportunities for practice settings, so a solution needs to be found
members to network during the fall AIP meeting and implemented quickly if Georgia’s patients
and the 12 Regional President’s Meetings con- are going to continue to have access to pharma-
ducted across the state, and hold other events. cies, particularly in our rural areas.
In addition to a great meal, the ability to So, enjoy your favorite college football team,
Georgia Pharmacy
A S S O C I AT I O N
network with pharmacists, pharmacy techs, and but be prepared when asked to focus on the ball
pharmacy students in your area, those meetings and ADVOCATE!
BLACK & WHITE OPEN
GLOSS/GRADIENT FLAT COLOR
offer a great opportunity for you to learn more
1
about GPhA’s priority initiatives for the upcom-
ing assembly. Please check out the GPhA website
and look for e-mail invitations with dates, times,
and locations in your area and ATTEND!
After advocacy, GPhA members tell us that Bob Coleman is chief executive officer of the
networking is next in importance. In addition to Georgia Pharmacy Association.
2 Georgia Pharmacy October/November 2019
QUICK HITS GPHA FIGHTS CENTENE- WELLCARE MERGER Centene and WellCare — two of eting costs and wasteful spend- larger market share, less compe- Georgia’s Medicaid managed care ing. Yet that’s what Centene was tition, and a bigger slice of the organizations (MCOs) — want asking for, and that’s why GPhA taxpayers’ pie ... and they have to merge. And, GPhA is urging was there, fighting to prevent a the gall to say this will somehow Insurance Commissioner John bad deal for the state. be good for patients. King not to approve the merger. With CEO Bob Coleman in Just trust them. During what turned into an attendance, VP of Public Policy But apparently even they almost four-hour hearing, the Greg Reybold pulled together aren’t quite sure of the econom- commissioner heard arguments a formidable team to testify ic results. In one document, for and against the merger. GPhA against the merger. (A big thank Centene says that “economies of went to bat both in person and you to Benji Black, Laura Ko, and scale” will make this mega-MCO with a detailed follow-up letter, Loren Pierce, for coming to speak cost less. (Hint: That’s not how laying out just how bad this out against the merger!) economies of scale work.) Then, merger will be for the state by What Centene is proposing in another, it flip-flops and says diving deep into the numbers would create the nation’s largest it won’t really know the impact to rebut Centene’s arguments Medicaid managed care orga- on Georgia Medicaid until after for expansion. (You can read the nization. It’s bad enough that “an initial transitional period.” letter at GPhA.org/centene.) PBMs already take a huge chunk And Centene repeatedly claimed GPhA built a coalition of of the state’s Medicaid dollars to there would be no layoffs ... so support with our friends from “administrate” prescription drug where will these economies of the Medical Association of benefits. MCOs have their fingers scale come from? Georgia and the Georgia Society in the pie as well: For every Med- Finally, if you got this far and of Clinical Oncology, both of icaid dollar the state spends, it haven’t been shaking your head, which joined in the case against pays Centene Management Ser- here’s another bit of information the merger. That is our advocacy vices (or one of the other MCOs) to consider: According to survey team at work, fighting for phar- between 10.5% and 11.5%. data, Centene and WellCare macists and patients. That’s hundreds of millions aren’t even very good at what It doesn’t take an economics of dollars Georgia spends on they do. In half of performance degree to see that giving one “healthcare” that just pays measures, both companies were company control of 61 percent private corporations to manage ranked below average. of Georgia’s Medicaid patients’ the process. Now Centene and Now they want to merge. And healthcare is a recipe for skyrock- WellCare want to merge to get a Georgians may pay for it. * A staggering 25 percent of Georgia Medicaid’s prescription drug spending didn’t go to pay for drugs — it went to pay PBMs. We’re talking $27 million for “administration.” ** By the way, Centene has an ownership stake in two PBMs ... but please don’t call it “double-dipping.” October/November 2019 Georgia Pharmacy 3
QUICK GET YOUR ADS IN!
HITS Advertising right here — in The rates are great and the
Georgia Pharmacy magazine — reach is perfect — so contact
is a great way to reach the most Kenna Little at klittle@gpha.org
influential pharmacy owners, or (404) 419-8129.
SENATORS TO pharmacists, and technicians in She can also help you get your
Georgia. message in our other publica-
ADMINISTRATION: Now is the time to get your tions, including the daily GPhA
END DIR FEES ads in for our six issues in 2020! Buzz newsletter!
We love a bipartisan story,
especially when it’s good for
pharmacists like this one: More
than 80 percent of the Senate
Finance Committee — 11
Republicans and 14 Democrats
Region Meetings are coming
— sent a letter to HHS and
GPhA is hosting the 2019 fall Regional Presidents’ Briefings, where phar-
CMS asking that they “close a
macy professionals from your corner of the state will gather for a great
Medicare regulation loophole –
dinner at a local eatery. You’ll even get an hour of CPE!
known as pharmacy direct and
It includes...
indirect remuneration (DIR)
fees – that inflates patients’
• A critical run-down of the changes to laws and regulations that are
out-of-pocket drug costs and
going to impact your pharmacy practice ... and your patients
that is pushing pharmacies out
• One hour of CE credit
of business.”
• A chance to meet and connect with other pharmacy pros in your area
DIR reform was initially part
• A great meal for only $10 ($25 for non-GPhA members that can be
of a 2018 plan from the Trump
applied to membership if signing up at the event)!
administration, but it ended up
being cut in the final Medicare
rule. It’s time, the senators
said, to bring that back. Just Region 1 (Statesboro area): Tuesday, October 22
about every major national Region 2 (Valdosta area): Tuesday, October 15
pharmacy organization gave
its “Amen!” to the letter. Region 3 (Americus area): Wednesday, October 23
Region 4 (Peachtree City area): Thursday, October 24
CHILDHOOD Region 5 (Atlanta area): Thursday, October 10
GLUTEN Region 6 (Macon area): Thursday, October 24
AND ADULT Region 7 (Acworth area): Tuesday, October 15
DIABETES? Region 8 (Waycross area): Wednesday, October 16
Could gluten in infancy lead to Region 9 (Ellijay area): Wednesday, October 16
diabetes later? A Norwegian
study says it can: “Each 10 g of Region 10 (Athens area): Thursday, October 17
gluten consumed daily during
Region 11 (Augusta area): Wednesday, October 23
infancy is associated with a
46% increased risk for develop- Region 12 (Dublin area): Thursday, October 17
ing type 1 diabetes during the
next 12 years.”
Sign up now for an evening with dinner and an important update —
(Interesting side note: Gluten go to GPhA.org/briefings.
consumption during pregnancy
had no effect.)
4 Georgia Pharmacy October/November 2019
USP POSTPONES
NEW STANDARDS;
QUESTIONS
REMAIN
USP is postponing the imple-
mentation of new compounding
standards in its chapters 795,
797, and 825, pending appeal.
They were to take effect
December 1.
The proposed changes to
chapter 800, though, are not
E-CIG BANS ARE SPREADING being appealed, but the organi-
zation said that those changes
are “informational only” — at
The FDA says it’s drawing up a plan became the first states to ban flavored least until the other appeals are
to ban flavored e-cigarettes in the e-cigarettes, in what the Washington resolved.
wake of A) a spike in teen use of Post described as “the latest crack- GPhA believes that, because
the nicotine-delivery devices, and down by regulators amid an outbreak they are are “informational,”
B) the emergence of a still-mysteri- of vaping-related illnesses and a enforcement of new chapter 800
ous vaping disease that has already growing recognition of its threat to standards at the state level should
killed at least seven people. the country’s young people.” not be triggered. It is engaging
Meanwhile, some other places are California is considering a similar with stakeholders about this issue
already making their own moves. bill, and one has also been intro- and will provide updates as soon
China banned Juul without expla- duced in the U.S. Senate. as they are available.
nation in mid-September, and India
followed a few days later by banning
all e-cigarettes — immediately.
At home, New York and Michigan
MEDICAL-DATA
BREACHES IN
GEORGIA
At least 14 Georgia companies, hospi-
tals, and other medical organizations
are under investigation by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human
Services for “breaches of unsecured
protected health information.”
Most involve the use of e-mail to
send patient records, but some, like
that of North Atlanta Medical Clinic
this past January, are due to unautho-
rized access to a computer.
The largest breach was that of the
Georgia Department of Human Ser-
vices 10 months ago, which affected
more than 439,000 individuals; close
behind was a breach at Augusta Uni- info@
www. levypruettcullen.com
versity Medical Center (417,000 individ-
uals affected).
October/November 2019 Georgia Pharmacy 5
SHOUT-OUTS
PCOM TEACHERS OF
THE YEAR
The PCOM Georgia School
of Pharmacy chose its two
teachers of the year: Xinyu
(Eric) Wang for the De-
partment of Pharmaceu-
tical Sciences, and Mandy
Reece for the Pharmacy
Department of Pharmacy
Practice. Congrats to both!
Mercer’s chapter of APhA’s Academy of Student Pharmacists helps celebrate the
organization’s golden anniversary.
THE LATEST FROM APHA-ASP AT MERCER Eric Wang Mandy Reece
The American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student
Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) represents all divisions of pharmacy,
helps student pharmacists advocate for our profession, and
gives back to our local community. We have several national pa-
tient-care focused activities that enable us to serve our commu-
nities including initiatives such as Operation Heart, Operation
100%
Immunization, and Operation Diabetes. Club
Georgia Pharmacy
This past year, we had the privilege of participating in local Georgia Pharmacy
A S S O C I AT I O N
A S S O C I AT I O N
health fairs where our members provided blood pressure screen-
ings and smoking cessation education; the nation-wide Drug
These are the newest members
GP.Logos.Final.indd 5 3/21/18 1:02 PM
Take-Back program; numerous immunization clinics; and nalox-
one training for all of our student pharmacists. We were also able of GPhA’s 100% Club — Georgia
to host advocacy events such as “Policy on Tap” where students pharmacies where 100 percent
gathered with elected representatives to discuss policy that af- of employees are GPhA
fects our profession. This spring, we enjoyed a tie-dye event that members. Find out more at
supported the APhA Political Action Committee in its national GPhA.org/100percent.
“Back the PAC” campaign. We also hosted an event to raise funds
Kevin Florence, ADD Drug
1
for the international students we host each summer.
1
Not only have we been involved on campus and in our commu- Store; Athens
nities, but we also have been active and involved on the national Ankit Patel, Benzer Pharmacy;
level of APhA. Several APhA-ASP members currently hold na- Warner Robbins
tional positions: President-elect Savannah Cunningham serves as
the APhA-ASP mid-year regional meeting coordinator for Region Vijay Patel, Macon Pharmacy;
3 as well as the executive director for the GPhA Student Leader- Macon
ship Board (see page 8).
Yolanda Rivers, Waycross
APhA-ASP is one of the biggest organizations on Mercer’s
Family Pharmacy; Waycross
Atlanta campus, and we hope to be able to continue to provide
student pharmacists with opportunities to advocate as a collec- Dean and Krista Stone,
tive voice and unite to provide optimal patient care and improve IHS Pharmacy & Gifts; Metter
our communities.
—Amanda Marie Hammond, 2018-2019 APhA-ASP President
6 Georgia Pharmacy October/November 2019
ENT’S
BLACK & WHITE OPEN
PRESID
CIR E
CL
GLOSS/GRADIENT FLAT COLOR
2018 –19
1
These are the newest members of GPhA’s President’s Circle
— people who recruit their fellow pharmacists, technicians,
GP.Logos.Final.indd 1 3/28/19 1:42 PM
THE WHITE COATS ARE COMING! academics, and others to become part of the association.
Recruit a member and join!
Congrats and welcome to
the latest classes of student SILVER LEVEL:
pharmacists. Butch Bowling; Gainesville Trent McDaniel; Cochran
The University of Georgia Nikki Bryant; Preston Rabun Neves; Athens
College of Pharmacy welcomed Bryce Carter; Dunwoody Glenn Parkman; Sylvester
136 new PharmD students during UGA’s white coats (above); Andy Clements; Rhine Ankit Patel; Warner Robbins
its annual white coat ceremony on Mercer’s Walter Akoh gets his David Clements; Fayetteville Sujal Patel; Kennesaw
Saturday, August 10. bear on Ray Crisp; Decatur William Posey; Moultrie
Stats: The class of 2023 aver-
Kevin Florence; Athens Yolanda Rivers; Waycross
ages 21.7 years of age, and 95% August 16, when 124 student were
come from Georgia. About 55% “coated”.
Casey Gaetano; Sandy Springs Charles Scott; Dawson
previously attended UGA, and Stats: The Mercer College of Amy Galloway; Blue Ridge Breanna Spires; McRae
15% are first generation college Pharmacy class of 2023 is 69% Johnathan Knight; Reynolds Steve Spruill; Tocca
attendees. female and 30% male, with 111 Marty Laird; Dalton Dean Stone; Metter
Ditto for Mercer University; students from the U.S. (including Thomas Lindsey; Omega Chris Thurmond; Athens
its college of pharmacy held its 81 Georgians), and 13 from other Johnathan Marquess; Acworth Pedro Valentine; Columbus
white coat ceremony on Friday, countries.
WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS
PHARMACISTS Payge Ladson, Moultrie Tony Singletary, Albany (AEP) Kayla Faircloth, Cobbtown (APT)
Chioma Abara, Savannah Ashley Langford, Dallas Brittany Smith, Smyrna (AEP) Betsy Hall, Rhine (APT)
Mike Addington, Clayton (AEP) Dante Lehman, Acworth (AEP) Clay Smith, Chickamauga (AEP) Tammy Henry, Blue Ridge (APT)
Reginald Barnes, Atlanta Lauren Lindsey, Omega (AEP) Brandon Standard, Allenhurst (ACHP) Tiffany Hinson, Chester (APT)
Scottie Barton, Gainesville (AEP) Yvette MacGregor, Ellijay (AEP) David Stanley, Clermont (AIP) Robin Holliday, Albany (APT)
Kenneth Bethea, Valdosta (ACHP) Krithika Mani, Cumming (AEP) René Starrett, Hartwell (ACHP) Cheri Hunt, Cumming (APT)
Dayna Brittin, Ball Ground (AEP) Ashley McCain, Gainesville (AEP) Brian Stell, Villa Rica Amanda Jackson, Helena (APT)
Rodney Burris, Clarkesville (ACHP) Joseph McGalliard, Jr., Meigs (AEP) Heather Tally, Cartersville (AEP) Brenda Johnsa, Buford (APT)
Shannon Canady, Kite Sara McNease, Cochran (AEP) William Van Story, Suwanee Shekia Kirby, Waycross (APT)
Yvener Charles, Acworth Juliet Moghalu, Austell Hien Vo, Lawrenceville Hollie Klug, Ringgold (APT)
English Coit, Norwood Joshua Morgan, Alpharetta (AIP) Melanie Washington, Fayetteville (AEP) Hannah Lankford, Villa Rica (APT)
Lauren Costick, Peachtree City (AIP) Ralph Mote, Mableton (AEP) Christopher Waters, Marietta (AEP) Juliet Leverett, Butler (APT)
Ushma Dahya, Kennesaw (AEP) Connor O’Daniels, Smyrna (AEP) Yancy Witt, Atlanta (AEP) Larry McCalister, Atlanta (APT)
Matthew Disharoon, Atlanta (AEP) Abigail Pakingan, Gainesville (ACHP) Ashley Woodhouse, Savannah (ACHP) Roxanne McHugh, Athens (APT)
Terry Durrence, Savannah Michelle Pasqualetti, Bogart (ACHP) Janet Minshew, Rochelle (APT)
Kelsey Eberlin, Jefferson Sweta Patel, Roswell (ACHP) TECHNICIANS Tondalayn Needham, Lawrenceville
Tricia Francetich, Grayson (AEP) Bhavin Patel, Adairsville (AEP) Cami Allen, Watkinsville (APT) (APT)
Sam Freeman, Lavonia (AEP) Lynn Philpot, Atlanta Gretchen Armstrong, Monroe (APT) Debra Parham, Danielsville (APT)
John Green, Buford (AEP) Melissa Price, Cartersville (ACHP) Shelby Brazier, Buena Vista (APT) Briana Reich, Athens (APT)
Bryan Hazelton, Fayetteville (AIP) Amber Rains-Vines, Trion (AEP) Gabriel Brittin, Ball Ground (APT) Stacey Smith, Sumner (APT)
David Hood, Marietta (ACHP) Jennifer Ries, Roswell (AEP) Samantha Brooks, Cadwell (APT) Melissa Starnes, Ocilla (APT)
Badrinath Jayanthi, Alpharetta (AEP) Kerry Roe, Rincon (AEP) Brianna Caldwell, Barnesville (APT) Megan Watson, Dublin (APT)
Mia Jung, Macon Jennifer Roney, Gray (AEP) Camaryn Candelario, Athens (APT) Andrew Wilson, Alpharetta (APT)
Bahareh Kashani, Suwanee Melanie Rudisill, Atlanta (ACHP) Martha Cook, Augusta (APT) Alesha Wright, Waycross (APT)
Keetae Kim, Duluth Brandy Schley, Athens (AEP) Heather Duke, Albany (APT) Abigail Yarbrough, Griffin (APT)
Tracy Kitchens, Guyton (AEP) Stephen Shearer, Canton (ACHP) Kirsten East, Warner Robbins (APT)
October/November 2019 Georgia Pharmacy 7
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Introducing the Student Leadership Board
GPhA has launched a new effort just for student pharmacists: the Student Leadership
Board. Comprised of students from all four of Georgia’s pharmacy schools, it will meet
throughout the year to help develop programs and events to connect, teach, and involve
tomorrow’s pharmacists. Here are the inaugural members:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS profession and an advocate PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF
for pharmacy and pharmacy OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
Savannah Cunningham, students. SCHOOL OF PHARMACY
Mercer University College of
Pharmacy, class of 2022 Seth Harrison, class of 2022 Latasha Lawson, class of 2022
I am excited about creating and Being involved in GPhA is a GPhA is well-known for its
leading a student leadership priority for me because I want advocacy for pharmacy, patients,
board to connect student phar- Georgia pharmacy to become ensuring pharmaceutical care
macists to opportunities within even more dynamic than it is is maintained, and being active
GPhA. I am passionate about now. The two primary ways to in the community. I hope to see
the work GPhA does to advocate accomplish this are through the student leadership board
for pharmacists and the patients patient care and advocacy for help to secure the future of our
we care for. I look forward to the profession, both of which I profession through advocacy for
continuing my involvement in am passionate about. patients and our community.
my state pharmacy association
throughout my career. Liddy Cronan, class of 2021 Laura Nguyen, class of 2022
GPhA rallies for pharmacy at the As a member of the GPhA
Taylor Alex Reaves, capitol, helps with education and Student Leadership Board, I
Mercer University College of networking, and helps improve plan to further innovate and
Pharmacy, class of 2022 the practice of pharmacy as we create opportunities for student
I am thrilled to create and lead progress towards the future. Stu- pharmacists to raise awareness
the GPhA Student Leadership dent participation in our state the community of the roles of a
Board in order for students to organization helps us accelerate pharmacist. I believe that phar-
have the opportunity to become forward, improve the care of our macists are primary advocates
more involved with GPhA. I patients, and improve our pro- in health care for patients, medi-
am excited about the future fession regardless of the branch cations, and overall well-being.
of GPhA and my continued of pharmacy we belong to. I have
involvement throughout my no doubt that I will be a lifelong Nandi Rosier, class of 2021
career. I hope to advance the member of GPhA. I have a passion for pharmacy
knowledge of the pharmacy practice opportunities that pro-
field for both students and the Jasper Westbrook, class of 2021 mote positive patient outcomes
public through advocacy efforts. Being an active member in through integrated clinical prac-
GPhA is a crucial component of tice and education. As the Pres-
MERCER UNIVERSITY my future success as a phar- ident of APhA-ASP at PCOM,
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY macist in the state of Georgia. I want to directly educate and
GPhA not only does an amazing motivate student pharmacists to
Emma Chandlee, class of 2022 job at advocating for positive take part in the goals of GPhA.
Being a part of the legislative legislation for the pharmacy
priority making process, and get- profession, but also serves as an Betelehem Sheferaw, class of 2021
ting students involved in their easily accessible resource that GPhA grants student pharmacists
future professional is important enables pharmacists to improve an opportunity to take advantage
for the future of pharmacy. I their practices, which ultimately of leadership, service, and advoca-
want to be a voice for my future improves the lives of patients. cy opportunities in the pharmacy
8 Georgia Pharmacy October/November 2019field. I value and appreciate the UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA affords me the opportunity to
learning opportunities provided COLLEGE OF PHARMACY represent the voice of student
by GPhA to guide me in my pro- pharmacists and the patients
fessional and personal endeavors. Stephen Ansel, class of 2022 we all serve.
The network and education
SOUTH UNIVERSITY opportunities that GPhA offers Rebecca Bruning, class of 2021
are invaluable to maintaining I have been enthralled with
Pete Nagel, class of 2021 success in the industry. The the progress GPhA is making
I want to improve the lives of strong advocacy that GPhA for the future of pharmacy
patients and decrease the cost of excels in assures that both phar- and am prepared expand on
healthcare. I believe that there is macists and patients are treated this growth as a member of
no better way to do this than to fairly and not taken advantage the GPhA Student Leadership
increase the scope of practice of of; while an established presence Board and president of APhA-
our pharmacists. I hope to help in the community not only helps ASP at UGA.
support laws that are going to the public, but improves the
improve patient care by way of perception that the public has of Kyler Miller, class of 2021
interaction with pharmacist. the pharmacist. I take the greatest pride in my
future profession, and I want
Garrett Streat, class of 2021 Tommy Tuggle, class of 2022 to see it rise to its full potential.
I believe the keys to the progres- I find that every day there are I want pharmacists to have a
sion of pharmacy depends on new opportunities to learn seat at the table, and I want
education and advocacy. I plan about advances in pharmacy to be a part of the push to get
to serve and represent GPhA and developments in patient them there. I am indebted to
with the intent of learning, ed- care. Participating in the GPhA for the work it does to
ucating and advocating for our Georgia Pharmacy Association protect both pharmacists and
profession. Student Leadership Board patients.
CONCERNED
ABOUT YOUR
PORTFOLIO?
Get a cup of coffee and a second opinion.
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October/November 2019 Georgia Pharmacy 9diabetes
Two programs, big results
According to the CDC, the facts surrounding pa-
tients with diabetes are staggering: SO YOU WANT TO DEFEAT DIABETES AND MAKE A
DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY? ACT NOW!
•A pproximately 86 million adults in the United
States have pre-diabetes. GPhA is working with the Georgia Department of Public Health
• I n 2017, the estimated cost of diabetes in the U.S. — to identify pharmacists interested in providing National DPP
medical and non-medical — was $327 billion. and/or DSMES. For a limited number of pharmacists, there are
•L ifestyle change can prevent or delay the onset of funds to cover training, education, and technology to get the
type 2 diabetes by approximately 95 percent. program(s) started. And DPH will provide the resources to
•D iabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in assist with every step along the way.
the country. Sound good? If you’re interested, contact Tamiko Pickett for
the next steps: tamiko.pickett@dph.ga.gov or (404) 232-1393.
As a pharmacist, you see patients with diabetes
and pre-diabetes every day. You can help them.
There are two programs pharmacists can offer.
One can help decrease the progression from pre-di- meet the program requirements. Reimbursement
abetes to type 2 diabetes, the other can improve out- is value-based, i.e., it’s based on outcomes. (Many
comes for patients already diagnosed with diabetes. self-insured employers and private payers see the
In addition to decreasing the overall costs associ- benefit of diabetes prevention, and they’re willing to
ated with diabetes, you’ll help patients develop the pay for these programs as well.)
skills to manage their condition.
Providing one or both of these is a great way to DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT EDUCATION
differentiate your pharmacy — and potentially AND SUPPORT (DSMES)
attract new patients. DSMES helps patients with diabetes learn healthy
eating and lifestyle changes to better manage their
NATIONAL DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM condition. Patients who receive that kind of educa-
The National Diabetes Prevention Program, or tion and support are much more likely to learn and
National DPP, is recognized by CDC as a life- lead a healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately, participa-
style-change program. The year-long program tion is low in DSMES programs even though they
focuses on healthy eating, increasing physical ac- are usually covered by Medicare. According to the
tivity, lowering stress, and improving coping skills. CDC, fewer than 5 percent of Medicare beneficia-
Participants are 58 percent less likely to develop ries with diabetes receive DSMES services — the
type 2 diabetes — and that jumps to 71 percent less other 95 percent are not getting the education and
likely if they’re over the age of 60. support needed. One reason: 62 percent of rural
Sessions are weekly for the first six months and counties do not even offer DSMES services.
then monthly for the remaining six months, and The good news: Pharmacists are perfectly posi-
they’re in a group setting. A trained ‘lifestyle coach’ tioned to provide these services. You are accessible,
leads participants through a specific curriculum, and knowledgeable, and trusted by your patients — and
the result is better eating habits and more exercise, that means you can change their behaviors and give
with a weight loss goal of five to seven percent. them better outcomes than they could achieve alone.
The best part: Pharmacists and techs can both be Once referred by a provider, participants are eli-
Georgia Pharmacy
A S S O C I AT I O N
lifestyle coaches. National DPP allows you to identi- gible for 10 hours of diabetes education over a year,
BLACK & WHITE OPEN
fy individuals who are at risk of developing diabetes then two hours a year after that. GLOSS/GRADIENT FLAT COLOR
(e.g., working with local employers, gyms, or health
1
centers), enroll them in the program, and bill Medi- Amanda Gaddy is director of clinical services for
care for your services once you have shown you can GPhA’s Academy of Independent Pharmacy.
RESOURCES: GPhA.org/dsm • CDC.gov/diabetes/dsmes-toolkit • CDC.gov/diabetes/prevention
10 Georgia Pharmacy October/November 2019BENEFITING THE GEORGIA PHARMACY FOUNDATION
Did you know… We need your help to raise $10,000
to advance the profession and help
pharmacists provide high quality care.
1. The Georgia Pharmacy Foundation
has provided scholarships to student BE THE SOLUTION.
pharmacists for years, helping hundreds
pay for their education and begin their Visit GPhA.org/foundation to make
careers. a tax-deductible donation to make a
difference in your life and the lives of
2. You have access to a free CE series your patients today.
to help you stay mentally healthy, live
well, and serve patients
better?
NEW
3. You can follow a free !
path to becoming a
Champion for Opioid
Safety through the foundation?
Have you tried scanning a QR code lately?
4. The foundation funds the high-quality It’s easy! Free QR code readers are available from
the App Store and Google Play — you can scan a
CPE you enjoy at the Georgia Pharmacy QR code to go directly to a Web site. Try it today!
Convention, plus student-focused lunch &
learns on college campuses?education
Learning process
GPhA is committed to offering members the best CPE Advisory Committee develop a curriculum
continuing education opportunities in the state. for the year. They choose the subjects our cours-
B
es should cover, outline the learning objectives
ecause we have members across the for each, and then look for the best faculty to
practice spectrum — independent and teach them.
chain, health system and retail, new The first place to look for instructors is sub-
and seasoned — GPhA puts out a call ject-matter experts among GPhA membership,
each year asking what topics they’re most in- many of whom are also members of the faculty
terested in. Not surprisingly, members’ interests at one of Georgia’s pharmacy schools. With such
often mirror the latest news: CBD, hypertension, a broad member base to choose from, this is
opioids, and so on. But there are also sugges- often where we find willing and able pharmacy
tions for topics that are less obvious — ideas professionals — even better, they are usually not
that spring from pharmacists’ and techs’ daily only on the cutting edge of the specific subject,
experiences. they also have the same perspective as the peo-
Using those submissions, along with their ple they’re teaching.
own experience and expertise, members of the If there isn’t a member available, the committee
will turn to known experts in the
state or nationally. (For example,
attorneys, law enforcement, or
medical specialists.)
The result is a slate of up-
to-date courses and top-notch
instructors that help make GPhA’s
education program the best in
Georgia.
COMING UP
Starting this winter, here are some
of the new education opportuni-
ties to keep an eye out for. Check
your e-mail, the daily GPhA Buzz
digest, or the GPhA website:
GPhA.org/education.
Love your gut: The latest on the
gut microbiome, from pre- and
pro-biotics to the effects of various
medication and lifestyle choices.
“Cannabis Conundrum”: There’s
no denying that there’s marijuana
in the future in some form, wheth-
er it’s CBD, cannabis oil, THC or
some other derivative, you need to
know the pharmacology;
12 Georgia Pharmacy October/November 2019THE CPE COMMITTEE Sharon Clackum Cara McCalley
Senior Care-Consultant Pharmacy Director,
CHAIR: Shari Allen Pharmacist Morgan Medical Center
Andi McKeever Associate Professor of
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Mike Crooks Matthew Perri
Pharmacy Practice and Philadelphia College of Opioid Safety and Pharmacy Pharmacist, professor, and
Director of the Drug Osteopathic Medicine School Interventions Technical Lead, consultant,
Information Center and of Pharmacy Alliant Quality UGA College of Pharmacy
Residency Program,
South University School Erin Aviles Melanie Defusco Ivy Simmons
of Pharmacy Pharmacist and Patient Care Pharmacy Supervisor, Director of Pharmacy,
Coordinator, Kroger Curant Health Liberty Regional
VICE CHAIR:
Johnathan Hamrick Amber Brackett Jake Galdo Lou Woods
Clinical Assistant Professor Pharmacist, Kroger Director of Performance Clinical Pharmacist,
of Pharmacy Practice and Measurement, The Pharmacy at Emory
Director of Introductory Bryce Carter Pharmacy Quality Alliance Midtown
Pharmacy Practice Pharmacist,
Experiences, Dunwoody Pharmacy Kendra Manigault Henry Young
Mercer University College Medical Science Liaison, Clinical and Administrative
of Pharmacy Sanofi Pharmacy Associate Professor,
UGA College of Pharmacy
PIC review: Be the best pharmacist-in-charge
you can be; LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Aromatherapy: Learn the science behind the GPhA tries to make its CE available in a variety of
scents; ways to best fit the different lifestyles of our mem-
bers. Our most comprehensive group of courses is
Pharmacy tech spring conference: The debut CPEasy — online webinars you can take from home
of “Tech U,” a program created by the members (or wherever you have a decent Internet connection
of GPhA’s Academy of Pharmacy Technicians; and can listen to the lecture). You’ll find them at
GPhA.org/cpeasy, and we’re always adding new
Pharmacy tech webinar series: “Future Trends ones.
and Top 30 Medications”: The popular program The largest concentration of live CE courses is, of
from Pedro Valentin and Frank Barnett comes course, at the annual Georgia Pharmacy Conven-
to GPhA; tion, where you can easily get 10 or more hours of
education over the four days of the event. For 2020,
Emergency planning: From a flu pandemic to the convention is at the Omni Grove Park Inn
a biological attack, be prepared to be part of in Asheville, N.C., from June 18 to 21.
the response (especially if the CDC orders a GPhA also offers a number of live classes in
mass dispensing); other locations, including its headquarters in Sandy
Springs, at restaurants around the state as part of
More certificate programs! the spring and fall Regional Presidents’ Briefings,
and even (for the first time) at an Atlanta Braves
game!
FIND ALL GPHA’S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AT GPHA.ORG/EDUCATION.
October/November 2019 Georgia Pharmacy 13cover story THE PERSONAL TOLL THE DEVASTATING TOLL OF OPIOIDS — AND THE IMPACT PHARMACISTS CAN MAKE BY CHRISTY ROSELL Opioids killed more than 47,000 people in 2017, according to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Using this data, the National Safety Council rearranged its cause of death report, now saying more people are likely to die in the United States from an opioid over- dose than gun violence or car accidents. Pharmacists are the last people pa- tients hear from before taking an opioid. Read on to hear about how a person in long-term recovery, a mom who lost her son, an inventor, a certified preven- tion specialist, and two pharmacists are making a difference. While some are focused on recovery, they all agree that awareness can help stop addiction Davis Owen died of an opioid before it starts. overdose before his 21st birthday. 14 Georgia Pharmacy October/November 2019
B
ig statistics about death by opioids
loom in newspapers, broadcast news, “PUT THE MEDICINE
and documentaries. While they
help shed light on the severity of
UNDER LOCK AND KEY, AS
the problem, they aren’t personal. YOU WOULD A GUN.”
To many people, the opioid crisis
doesn’t feel like a crisis unless we are
personally affected by someone who is an addict exercise equipment, and a lounge with ping pong,
— or worse, by someone we’ve lost. pool tables, and an Xbox. At some point, we were
To better understand opioid addiction, I joined by a black lab named Oli, short for Olive,
drove to Marietta to take a tour of The Zone, a a sweet dog who provides emotional support to
21,000-square-foot community for people who are people at The Zone.
in substance abuse recovery. The biggest room was lined with chairs and
Sarah Mangold, the program director, greeted couches for more than 34 different peer support
me at the front desk. A tall, smiling professional groups as well as a yoga class for weekly sessions.
woman in her 30s, she led me to what she called Sarah mentioned that the newest group was for
her favorite part of the building: a warm and adolescents.
inviting coffee shop with wood tables and chairs, While the space is impressive, the sheer number
Oriental rugs, and barn wood walls. Chalkboard of people who come to The Zone is eye-opening.
signs invited me to buy a chai latte or espresso. The space bustles with people who are doing
“My drugs of choice were prescription opioids, everything they can to recover and stay that
Xanax, heroin, meth. You name it. I did it,” said way. There are people of every age and skin color.
Sarah, wasting no time making the opioid crisis Professionals. Veterans. Homeless. They come
feel personal. “I was in and out of jail several together as a family to support each other in
times, but I never stayed for very long. I kept recovery for life.
committing crimes and getting high with no real “This place,” Sarah says, “helped me understand
consequences.” you could be social and sober.”
As her drug abuse escalated, she found herself
in jail for an extended period of time. She remem- AN A+ OPIOID USER
bered a visit by a woman who told her about The
Zone, a place that would help her overcome her On March 4th, 2014, Missy Owen’s doorbell rang.
addiction. And that’s the first place Sarah went “The detectives told us that our precious son
when she got out of jail. She found solace talking had been found dead in his car,” Missy said. He had
with people who understood her addiction and, overdosed on heroin.
like her, wanted a better life. Working in the coffee The oldest of five children, Davis Owen was Mis-
shop helped her discover her life’s purpose to over- sy’s tallest son. “He gave the best bear hugs ever,”
come her addiction and to help others overcome she remembered. “My head fit right at his heart.
theirs. He was a loving guy.”
Sarah describes recovery as “long-term.” Rather At school, Davis was a leader. He was president
than a one-time decision, she says, recovery is a of his senior class, an honor student, editor of the
choice that must be made every day for a lifetime. yearbook, a baseball player and wrestler. He gave
Before I could reflect further on the lifelong dev- the commencement speech at his graduation.
astation of opioids for survivors, Sarah hustled me And like so many other people, Davis’s turn to
down the hallway, reminding me that it’s import- opioids started with an injury.
ant to look forward, not back. “He had an accident where he had been
There were rooms for meeting with recovery rear-ended about a year before [his death],” Missy
coaches, peer-support specialists, as well as a remembered. “He had his own prescription for
chiropractor. A dental student provides services opioids. He knew they made him feel good. He was
to people in recovery. Sarah opened the door to a really stressed out. He wasn’t sleeping well. He
bright and well-stocked arts and crafts room. Then remembered how they made him feel and allowed
a music room with drums, guitars, and a piano. him to rest, so he turned to the family medicine
There was an enviable gym with state-of-the-art cabinet.”
October/November 2019 Georgia Pharmacy 15cover story
Eventually, when the painkillers ran out, he with people who are trying to be better. You
switched to heroin. may fall 500 times, but we’re here to teach you
“There are so many times living with someone how to get back up.”
with an addiction that I questioned myself,” Missy While it is based 20 miles north of Atlanta,
remembered. “I know I had $20 in my pocket. Did the nonprofit helps people from all over the
I put it in my computer bag? There were so many state.
times I questioned my sanity because I didn’t want “We’ve Lyfted people from Columbus,” Mis-
to question my son.” sy said. “We’re open 365 days a year from 9:00
Soon after Davis died, Missy and her husband, a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and we offer peer support
Michael, founded the Davis Direction Foundation, by phone. If you need detox, we can get you
a nonprofit focused on opioid addiction awareness. there.”
A few years later, their foundation financed the Through a closed Davis Direction Facebook
opening of The Zone in Marietta. group of 10,000 members, the nonprofit has cre-
“We fight addiction and fuel recovery,” Missy ated a nationwide network to connect people
said. “We do that by providing the resources and to resources everywhere. Its work has been so
support that people in recovery need to stay in successful that groups in 12 states have adopted
recovery. Our goal is to continually communicate the model.
TO-DO LIST
For pharmacists interested in building opi- their insurance under [Georgia’s] standing of safety and prevention, not about them
oid awareness and naloxone prescriptions order protocol. We saw other workflows developing an addiction. A prescription
into their pharmacy workflows, Emory’s where they told the patient [when picking is meant to be therapeutic for a patient.
Christa Russie offers these tips: up their first prescription] and then the We liken it to having an EpiPen if you have
patient had to wait while they processed an allergy or glucose tabs for diabetic
1. Get technicians involved. “We had the naloxone. Here we have the naloxone patients. We sometimes share stories, like
everyone do a CE so they could speak to ready at the same time. We get it prepared one about a patient who had taken an old
the patients if they had a question. Tech- and attach an information sheet to the medicine and new medicine by accident
nicians are typically the staff that identify bag, which triggers technicians to ask if when switching medicines. Her daughter
candidates and inform them of the nalox- patients are interested in learning more. found her and had to call 9-1-1. Another
one prescription. They get the pharmacists Having it ready with the rest of the pre- patient’s child got into her medication.
involved to counsel the patients.” scription is what has made it so successful We’ve found that sharing these stories and
here. Two-thirds of patients have accepted educating about the life-saving effects of
2 .Identify candidates for opioid it. That breaks down to one to two a day.” naloxone gives patients peace of mind.”
awareness and naloxone. “Our quali-
fications are not completely set in stone. 4. Make it easy to use. “We prefer to 6. Revisit patients who reject pre-
We use discretion. For example, we look to prescribe nasal spray, but Medicaid covers scriptions later in the year. “We keep a
see if it’s a maintenance medication — a injectables that we convert to nasal spray. list of reasons of denial. Most of the time,
long-acting pain medication like a fentanyl We have counseling devices: a Narcan the prescription is free or low-cost and
patch or oxycontin — or a short-acting spraying device and one of our naloxone patients don’t have the financial reason to
medication like valium that could potenti- syringes and an atomizer that goes with say no. At the beginning of the year, de-
ate side effects.” syringe to show them how to use it. We ductibles aren’t met so some patients may
also provide a flyer.” reject the prescription because there is a
3. Process the naloxone with the pre- cost. Later in the year, we will re-discuss
scription. “When we identify a candidate 5. Be sensitive. “When we council with these patients because they will have
for naloxone, we process naloxone with patients, we talk to them about it in terms probably met their deductible.”
16 Georgia Pharmacy October/November 2019THE DEADLIEST THING “THEY DON’T HAVE TO GO
In her office at The Zone, Missy pressed a packet TO A DRUG DEALER; THEY
into my hand — it was like one of those small plas-
tic packets you get when you buy fresh flowers. GO TO GRANDMA’S OR A
“DisposeRx” said the wrapper.
“When you’re done with your painkillers, you
FRIEND’S HOUSE.”
pour the powder in the bottle, fill the bottle two-
thirds with water, put the cap back on and shake
vigorously,” Missy said, emphasizing the word prescription opioids.
‘vigorously.’ “It turns the [remaining] opioids into a “Pharmacists are the gatekeepers, the trusted
gel and deactivates the ingredients.” sources regarding medicine,” he said. “I plead with
She noted that Walgreens has made a commit- you, when dispensing these controlled substances,
ment to give these packets away for free with ev- please advise Georgia citizens to put the medicine
ery opioid prescription where lockboxes or other under lock and key, as you would a gun.”
safe disposal alternatives are not readily available. An International Certified Prevention Special-
“I think every pharmacist in the U.S., when ist, John has counseled and learned from many
filling an opioid prescription, should give Dispos- people who have misused opioids and become ad-
eRx and ask if the patient has access to Narcan,” dicted over the years. Compounding the problem
she said. “It opens the lines of communication to is the simple fact that getting the drugs is easy;
understand that what you have in your hands is he’s seen estimates ranging from 70 to 90 percent
the deadliest thing.”
An alternative: prescription drop
boxes. “In Georgia, we’re very blessed
because we have almost 300 drop boxes
that are in operation 24 hours, seven
days a week,” said John Bringuel, the
statewide project director for the Geor-
gia Prescription Drug Abuse Preven-
tion Initiative. Finding one is simply a Mistakes
matter of going to a website: happen.
PrescriptionDrugDisposal.com. Team up with us to
John’s employer, the Council on Alco- reduce risks in your
hol and Drugs, is a non-profit preven- pharmacy.
tion provider in Georgia. It gave him
$100,000 to provide every sheriff in the
state with at least one drug drop box.
Today, every Georgia county but four
has at least one drop box.
“Mark out your name on the bottle
[and] what kind of drug is in the bottle,
and dispose of them in the drug drop
box,” he said. “It is as simple as that.
No questions asked. It’s like dropping a
piece of mail in the mailbox.”
EASY ACCESS
John also sees opportunities for
pharmacists to make a significant Alliance for Patient Medication Safety is a federally listed Patient Safety Organization (PSO)
www.medicationsafety.org | info@medicationsafety.org | (866)365-7472
difference in the misuse and abuse of
October/November 2019 Georgia Pharmacy 17cover story
of people who get ahold of prescriptions find them WORKING OPIOID AWARENESS
unlocked and unsecured in someone’s house. (AND NALOXONE) INTO THE WORKFLOW
“Youth will tell you that they don’t have to go
to a drug dealer; they go to grandma’s or a friend’s In 2017, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed a law
house,” he said. “They rarely ever take the entire that expanded access to naloxone to fight the opi-
bottle of pills or from a bottle that’s almost empty. oid epidemic. The Georgia Board of Pharmacy re-
They’ll take them out of the bottles that have moved naloxone from the dangerous drug list and
more than 20 pills because the person prescribed rescheduled it as a Schedule V exempt drug. At the
them will not realize they are gone until later.” same time, Deal directed the Department of Public
Security doesn’t have to be complicated. People Health to issue a standing order to allow naloxone
can use secure devices they already have, such to be dispensed over-the-counter by pharmacists
as gun safes or in-home fire boxes. Retail outlets, across the state without a prescription. (More info
including pharmacies, have begun to sell medicine at GPhA.org/naloxone.)
safes as well. “These safes sell for $30 to $35 and Lead pharmacists Lou Woods and Christa
they wholesale around $10,” John said. Russie at The Pharmacy at Emory Midtown were
convinced of the impact their pharmacy could
make with patients getting opioid prescriptions.
Their passion for patients was clear. What was
ARE YOU A unclear was how to approach making something
CHAMPION FOR
as important as naloxone part of the workflow
so it wasn’t overlooked. What they found is that
OPIOID SAFETY? patients are receptive if it’s approached in an edu-
cational and compassionate way.
“We dispense a large number of narcotics be-
If you’re a pharmacist interested in working opioid
cause of Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute, a lot
education into your workflow, GPhA recently launched a
of sickle-cell patients who require a large amount
free Foundations of Opioid Safety educational opportunity.
of medications to prevent potential crises as well
Learn more at GPhA.org/opioidsafety.
as surgeries,” Lou said. Some of those doses were
The Georgia Pharmacy Foundation launched a program to
pretty high. “But they actually need it,” he said. “For
recognize Georgia pharmacists who go above and beyond
me, being able to destigmatize talking about opioid
to serve their communities.
risk and Narcan with patients made me feel better.
Pharmacists are the last line of defense against
We are in such a unique position to help patients.”
opioid abuse, explained Mike Crooks, a foundation board
Of course, concerns popped up along the way.
member and opioid safety and pharmacy interventions
One question: If you purchase naloxone in case
technical lead with Alliant Healthcare. He works closely
you need to help someone else (which is allowed
with pharmacists across the state on the issue. And as a
by law), is it insurance fraud if it is billed to your
foundation board member, Mike is leading the effort to
insurance? Lou and Christa spoke to Medicaid to
help pharmacists talk to patients about opioid risk, storage,
get clarification. “The answer: No it’s not,” Lou said.
and disposal. A two-minute conversation, he says, can
To keep everything consistent, changes would
potentially save a life.
need to be made to the workflow. Lou and Christa
The Foundations of Opioid Safety program provides a
spent several months creating a process-driven
path for pharmacy teams to implement an opioid safety
approach, with new policies and staff training, plus
program and seamlessly integrate it into the workflow.
collateral such as SOPs, prescription templates, and
When you complete the program, you’ll earn CEs and
flyers.
be named a Foundations of Opioid Safety Champion. It’s
They rolled out the program in March of 2019 at
more than a line on your résumé or CV —- its means you’ll
their midtown location. They prescribed naloxone
be part of the Foundation’s Champions Network, with
to 99 patients that first month.
access to resources, news, information, and the latest best
“Most everyone was very receptive of us being
practices.
able to provide that for them,” Lou said. “Patients
Get started now: GPhA.org/opioidsafety.
were very excited — a lot of them had heard about
it but they didn’t know how to attain it.”
18 Georgia Pharmacy October/November 2019You can also read
