CPHRC Hosts Disaster Preparedness Workshop for Pennsylvania Pharmacists and Partners
On January 29, 2016, the Center for Public Health Readiness and Communication held a half-day workshop for Pennsylvania pharmacists and partners at the annual mid-year meeting of the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association. The workshop, which was co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, addressed the important issue of how patients can continue to access essential medications and pharmacy services during a disaster. Participants included pharmacists, pharmacy wholesalers, insurers, schools of pharmacy, public health and emergency management personnel, and other government partners. The first half of the program consisted of a review of proposed plans for public health emergencies in Pennsylvania, a panel discussion with pharmacy stakeholders describing the impact of disasters on the pharmaceutical supply chain, and an overview of business continuity planning relevant to pharmacies. The workshop ended with attendees taking part in a tabletop exercise that sought to test the draft plans and promote problem solving and coordination between stakeholders.