The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #69362

Sharon Cohen, MPH, Mackenzie Melton, and Frances Chung. Pharmacy Access Partnership, Public Health Institute, 614 Grand Avenue, Suite 400, Oakland, CA 94610, 510-272-0150, scohen@phi.org

With new emergency contraception legislation in California, there are increased opportunities for pharmacies to a play stronger role in promoting sexual health, preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Currently in pharmacies, over the counter (OTC) contraceptive supplies are not actively promoted and educational materials are not widely accessible. By prominently grouping OTC contraceptive supplies with educational materials, pharmacies have the opportunity to better meet consumer needs and play a more active role in health promotion. During 2002 and 2003, the Pharmacy Access Partnership worked with chain and independent pharmacies and public health stakeholders to create and pilot consumer oriented family planning centers for the retail pharmacy setting in over 20 retail stores. Pilot objectives included: reinforcing the consumer’s decision to seek and purchase OTC family planning products, increasing educational opportunities for STI prevention, and increasing public awareness of clinical services offered by pharmacists. While traditional pharmacy promotion strategies are used, the application in the family planning category is a new direction for pharmacy retailers. This report describes how program materials and demonstration sites were developed and highlights implementation challenges and evaluation of using pharmacies to increase consumer education on the use of OTC supplies.

Learning Objectives:

At the session’s conclusion, the participant will be able to:
• Recognize the role pharmacies can play in promoting health education for the prevention of unintended pregnancy and STIs.
• Understand the implementation challenges in promoting health education in a retail store environment.

Related Web page: www.pharmacyaccess.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Pharmacy Access Partnership, Oakland CA
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment