WHEREAS, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, like the rest of the Nation, is currently suffering the worst overdose epidemic in history. In Philadelphia alone, 907 people died from drug overdoses in 2016, a 28% increase from 720 such deaths in 2015; and
WHEREAS, Naloxone is an effective medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug, such as prescription pain medications and heroin, and thus save lives; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation and the State Physician General issued a standing order allowing people to obtain and administer Naloxone without a prescription; and
WHEREAS, Many Philadelphia pharmacies were not regularly stocking or dispensing Naloxone, and many Pharmacists were unaware or uncertain about the details of the State’s Naloxone standing order; and
WHEREAS, Students from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy at the University of the Sciences saw this as an opportunity to utilize their expertise and training to help educate their peers in pharmacy about increased access to Naloxone; and
WHEREAS, Sonia Jacob, Chair of The University of the Sciences Philadelphia College of Pharmacy’s GenerationRx Student Chapter; Co-Chairs Sidra Kazmi, Arun Nair, Maitri Patel, and Toobah Wali; and over 50 other Student Pharmacist Volunteers developed and implemented a successful strategy to visit and educate Philadelphia Area Pharmacists about the State-authorized increased access to Naloxone; and
WHEREAS, The Vision, Leadership, and Commitment of these students is an inspiration to all, and will undoubtedly result in saved lives in Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and thank The University of the Sciences Philadelphia College of Pharmacy’s GenerationRx Student Chapter for its Vision, Leadership, And Commitment in developing and successfully implementing a program to educate Philadelphia Area Pharmacists about increased access to Naloxone.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Sonia Jacob, Chair of the GenerationRx Student Chapter, evidencing the admiration of this legislative body.
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