LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim October 2014 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
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2014 as Pharmacists Month in the
State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Phar-
macists 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 254,000 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 moderat-
ing 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 collabora-
tively with other health care providers and patients to improve medica-
tion 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 profes-
sionals 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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2014 as Pharma-
cists Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York, and The Pharmacists Society of the State of New York.