Letters to the editor

Too many affected by preventable illness Access to preventative services has always been and will continue to be one of the most important health issues facing communities in Ohio. Modern medicine has made significant advances, however many families in Ohio are still being impacted by preventable illnesses and it is causing unnecessary strain on these patients, families, and even local healthcare systems. One of the most important and effective ways of improving community health and reducing the burden on local hospitals is through prevention. Vaccines, routine screenings and pharmacy-led healthcare services can have a large impact on the community as a whole. Pharmacists and pharmacy services are some of the most accessible healthcare professionals and services in our communities. While some people who live in the more rural communities of Ohio can live upwards of 30 minutes from a hospital or doctor's office, most live within a few miles of a pharmacy. These pharmacies are also typically open in the evenings and weekends when doctor's offices and hospitals (outside of emergency rooms) are closed. This accessibility puts pharmacists in a unique position to address the gaps that exist in preventative care. Services like immunizations, medication counseling, blood pressure monitoring and education can significantly improve patient outcomes if they are taken advantage of. Pharmacists are able to increase the vaccination rates in communities and increase the awareness of the diseases that they can prevent, but they can also improve the medication safety of patients in the community. Pharmacists have the unique ability to work closely with patients regarding their health and make sure that not only is the medication safety taken care of, but that they have a good understanding of the medical conditions that they have so that they are comfortable having conversations with their doctors if needed. Encouraging individuals in the community to ask questions, seek out medical advice, and take advantage of the services that local pharmacies can offer is a small but important step in leading to more meaningful improvements in public health. Emily Fritch Findlay