Need Care?

Community Pharmacists Could Be The Answer

As fears surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak mount, some New Mexicans are opting out of routine health care and dismissing the symptoms of medical emergencies to avoid visiting hospitals.

This trend of avoiding care, though well intentioned, is one that could cause an undue health burden for vulnerable people, such as those living with chronic diseases - or even children who require the timely vaccinations.

Public health officials are urging New Mexicans to continue seeking routine and emergency care during this time. To ensure the safety of their patients, most primary care and specialty care medical offices are providing telephonic or televideo visits to continue routine care for issues that do not require an office visit. Calling your provider ahead of time will ensure that you receive care in a way that best protects you and your health.

If you or a loved one need access to care, but do not know where to start, community pharmacists and pharmacist clinicians working in ambulatory care clinics could be the answer.

These pharmacists can provide primary care, chronic disease management and medication management. Local community pharmacists are well positioned to help you and your loved ones receive the care you need while still avoiding hospitals and limiting your exposure to others.

However, it is important for you to continue social distancing and avoid contact with others in the community, except for essential needs. Call your pharmacist first to see if your questions can be answered or needed services can be provided telephonically.

Community pharmacists are highly trained in providing a variety of services, including:

• Comprehensive Medication Reviews
• Medication Therapy Management
• Medication Synchronization and Adherence Monitoring

Community pharmacists can also prescribe and administer:

• Immunizations
• Emergency Contraception
• Tobacco Cessation Medication
• Tuberculin Skin Tests
• Naloxone
• Hormonal Contraception

Community pharmacists can help you manage chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease or heart failure - during and after the COVID-19 epidemic.

A simple call to your local pharmacy could make a tremendous difference for your health and that of your loved ones. Have confidence in your health, even during COVID-19 - entrust your health to a pharmacist.