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California’s Emergency Contraception (EC) Pharmacy Program
Pharmacy Access Partnership established the Emergency Contraception (EC) Pharmacy Program to mobilize political will to change legislation in California enabling women to have direct access to EC at pharmacies without first visiting a clinic or doctor. In 2002, California became the first state in the nation to pass legislation specifically designed to increase pharmacy access to emergency contraception. As of June 2007, more than 1100 pharmacies provide EC direct to consumers and list on our consumer hotline (1-888-Not-2-Late) and web site (www.EC-Help.org), and more than 3500 pharmacists have been trained in the EC training program. Click here to find out more about CA’s EC Pharmacy Program.
National Emergency Contraception Pharmacy Access Efforts
Pharmacy Access Partnership assists pharmacy and advocacy communities to improve how women access emergency contraception (EC) by promoting communication, leveraging resources, and building an understanding of options for change at the state and national level. Advances in deregulating EC can occur at both the federal and state level. Although the federal government has the sole authority to change a drug status from prescriptive to over-the-counter (OTC), states have considerable power, deciding who can prescribe. Currently nine states (AK, CA, HI, MA, ME, NH, NM, WA and VT allow women to access EC directly at the pharmacy, and a number of states have introduced legislation to adopt similar policies. Many of the most significant EC changes, however, are occurring at the state level in virtual isolation. Pharmacy Access Partnership created www.GO2EC.org, a website specifically for pharmacists and health care advocates to share resources and best practices around successfully improving access to EC. Pharmacy Access Partnership also supports expanded access to EC at the state level by convening national meetings, supporting research, publishing on pharmacists role in improving access to EC, providing technical assistance, and training pharmacists.
Family Planning Promotional & Educational Materials in Pharmacies
Pharmacy Access Partnership is working with chain and independent pharmacies to create practical, consumer-oriented family planning centers in the retail pharmacy setting. By grouping over-the-counter contraceptive supplies with educational materials prominently in one location, pharmacies have the opportunity to not only better meet consumer needs, but play a more active role in community education. Click here to find out more about the Family Planning Promotional & Educational Materials in Pharmacies Program.
Pharmacy-Based Injectable Contraception (IC) Program
It is important to ensure that women have an easy, convenient, and cost-effective way to access injectable contraception (Depo-Provera) on an on-going basis. Pharmacy Access Partnership is working with clinics and other providers to set up demonstration sites at select independent and chain pharmacies in California. The program, known as Health Step to consumers, affords established patients on injectable contraception the choice of obtaining re-injection at their regular provider or at participating pharmacies. Participating sites will help evaluate consumer, pharmacist, and provider satisfaction in using pharmacies to maintain women on injectable contraception. Click here to find out more about the Injectable Contraception Program.
Cultural & Linguistic Competency in Pharmacies
Effective Communication with Latinos: Discussing Reproductive Health Issues is a new continuing education program for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. The program is geared to assist pharmacists and pharmacy technicians with the cultural and linguistic components of their communication with Spanish-speaking patients regarding reproductive health issues. The program includes a 25-minute training video, accompanying syllabus, and quick reference card. The program was accredited for 1.5 hours of continuing education credits for California pharmacists and pharmacy technicians through the Pharmacy Foundation of California. Click here for more information about the program.
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Services in Pharmacies
Pharmacy Access Partnership is exploring ways to reduce the incidence of Chlamydia in California through pharmacy based screening, treatment, and patient-delivered partner treatment services.
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