New national initiative promotes medication safety among elderly

NEW ORLEANS The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists today kicked off a national awareness initiative aimed at preventing medication-related problems in the elderly.

ASCP launched the drive, dubbed Campaign 2011, at its 39th annual meeting here, and said the date coincides with the year in which the first wave of baby boomers turns 65 and enters the Medicare system. The project is designed to educate caregivers, providers and the general public about potential dangers involved when medications are improperly and/or overused, particularly among seniors.

Leaders of ASCP, which represents pharmacists who specialize in geriatric care, said the new awareness campaign will bring interactive workshops and other public education opportunities to communities, senior centers and public venues over the next two years. The organization will also promote cost-effective approaches to medication therapy management, they said, will work with its 4,000 strong student membership to increase the numbers of pharmacists trained to meet the specialized needs of older adults.

For more information about ASCP or Campaign 2011, visit http://www.ascp.com.