RED LAKE PHARMACY TO PARTICIPATE IN PHARMACY WEEK

Red Lake Hospital will be observing Pharmacy Week October 20-24, 2014. The goal of the week is to promote the vital role pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play in providing you safe and effective medication therapy. Red Lake Pharmacy employs thirteen highly trained pharmacists and eight skilled pharmacy technicians.

Many of our patients are not aware of what pharmacy staff does. The practice of pharmacy has changed dramatically in the past decade to move from dispensing your pills to a clinical, patient safety focus. Our pharmacists have all completed a minimum of six years of college education; many of us have doctoral level pharmacy degrees. Our pharmacists are integrated into your healthcare teams, participate with your hospital care, educate you and your family about your medications, and provide valuable drug information resources to your providers. They also package and dispense medications for the Jourdain Perpich Extended Care Center while providing clinical services for providers there. The majority of our pharmacy technicians have completed intensive training to understand medications and the effect on the body. They are experts in the available automation that assists with quick and safe service. They assist the pharmacists in preparing your medication order, answering phones, ordering inventory, and providing exceptional customer service.

In observance of this week-the pharmacy staff has prepared a variety of educational materials and 'give-aways' to promote safe medication use. The pharmacy will be hosting a brown bag event on Monday, October 20, 2014 where you can bring in all of your medications to have them reviewed by a pharmacist. The review provides an opportunity for patients to ask questions about their medications, as well as allowing the pharmacist to verify medications and assist the patient in taking their medication correctly. We will also be administering flu vaccines to people age 18 and over each day from 11am to 1pm. Questions are always welcome and we are here to assist you in any way possible. If you have a busy schedule you may also call to make an appointment to speak with a pharmacist. Please give us a call at 679-2825 OR stop-by the pharmacy to check it out. WALK-INS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.