LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim October 1-7, 2010, as Pharmacists Week in the State of New
York, in conjunction with American Pharmacists Month

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pride in participating in
weeks of awareness of those vital professions that affect the quality of
life for the many New Yorkers throughout this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim October 1-7, 2010, as Pharma-
cists Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with American
Pharmacists Month; and
WHEREAS, Pharmacy is one of the oldest of the health professions
concerned with the health and well-being of all people; and
WHEREAS, Today, there are over 254,000 pharmacists in the United
States providing services to assure the rational and safe use of all
medications; and
WHEREAS, In the last quarter of a century, pharmacy has expanded its
role with the health care delivery system from a profession focusing on
preparation and dispensing of medications to patients to one in which
pharmacists provide a range of patient-oriented services to maximize the
medicine's effectiveness; and
WHEREAS, Pharmacy is practiced in a wide range of settings including:
community pharmacies, hospitals, long term care facilities, the pharma-
ceutical industry, mail service, managed care, academia and government
(Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Indian Health
Service, Public Health Service); pharmacists practice in community phar-
macy (chain and independents), in hospitals, and in consulting, govern-
ment, academic, industry and other settings; and
WHEREAS, Historically, educational requirement for pharmacists
included the choice of two entry-level degrees: a five year Bachelor of
Science in pharmacy (BS Pharmacy) or a six-year Doctor of Pharmacy
(PharmD); however, today, schools of pharmacy offer only the PharmD
degree; this extensive training makes the pharmacist the most knowledge-
able health care professional when it comes to medicines and their use;
and
WHEREAS, Medicines today have great power to heal and to improve the
quality of life for millions of Americans, but medicines may also cause
serious harm if not taken correctly; pharmacists who know their patients
and have their medication profiles on file will be aware of possible
harmful drug interactions or allergies to certain drugs; the pharmacists
will also be able to discuss possible side effects; what foods, drinks
or activities that should be avoided while on a medication, what to do
if you miss a dose and a wide range of other helpful information; and
WHEREAS, The pharmacist is a key health care professional and is
instrumental in helping individuals achieve the best results from their
medications; New Yorkers should choose a pharmacist they trust and build
a partnership for good health; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, representing the
people of the State of New York, to bring awareness to pharmacists and
pharmacies and the essential role they play in the health of all citi-
zens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim October 1-7, 2010, as
Pharmacists Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with American
Pharmacists Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.