Assembly Resolution No. 934

BY: M. of A. Rules (McDonald)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
October 2022, as Pharmacists Month in the State of
New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Pharmacists Month

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2022, as Pharmacists Month in
the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Pharmacists Month; and

WHEREAS, The Pharmacists Society of the State of New York will be
observing this month throughout the State of New York; 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 312,000 pharmacists licensed in the
United States providing services to assure the rational and safe use of
all medications; and

WHEREAS, The use of medication, as a cost-effective alternative to
more expensive medical procedures, is becoming a major force in
moderating overall health care costs; and

WHEREAS, Insurers such as Medicare recognize the value of Medication
Therapy Management as a professional service provided by pharmacists;
and

WHEREAS, Today's powerful medications require greater attention to
the manner in which they are used by different patient population
groups, both clinically and demographically; and

WHEREAS, It is important all users of prescription and
nonprescription medications, or their caregivers, be knowledgeable about
and share responsibility for their own drug therapy; and

WHEREAS, Pharmacists are specifically educated with a focus and
level of expertise on medication therapy which exceeds that of other
health care providers; in addition, they are ideally suited to work
collaboratively with other health care providers and patients to improve
medication use and outcomes by providing services through medication
therapy management; and

WHEREAS, Pharmacists provide both expertise and accessibility which
are crucial to patients fully optimizing access to medications that are
not self-administered such as, but not limited to immunizations; and

WHEREAS, Pharmacists are best positioned to be the health care
professionals to help ensure patients are adherent to their medications,
and provide patient care which ensures optimal medication therapy
outcomes; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2022, as
Pharmacists Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York, and The Pharmacists Society of the State of New York.