Retailers, pharmacy trade and professional groups sponsor Capitol Hill health fair

WASHINGTON — More than six dozen pharmacists and pharmacy students from in and around the District of Columbia offered free health screenings on Capitol Hill Tuesday as a way to promote awareness of the role pharmacists play in the healthcare system.

The screenings for bone density, body composition, glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure and consultations were given to more than 200 members of Congress, staff, aides and the general public, sponsored by the American Pharmacists Association, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the National Community Pharmacists Association, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Congressional Community Pharmacy Caucus.

"Pharmacist-provided patient care is an important service for many people throughout the country," APhA EVP and CEO Thomas Menighan said. "Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare provider, with pharmacy locations in almost eery community in America. Pharmacists demonstrated knowledge and training, combined with this accessibility, makes them a valuable member of a patient's healthcare team."

Other sponsors of the event included Rite Aid, Albertsons, Walgreens, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy, the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy.