Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116368

Nicole Monastersky, MPH, Sharon Cohen, MPH, and Mackenzie Melton. Pharmacy Access Partnership, Public Health Institute, 614 Grand, Suite 324, Oakland, CA 94610, 510-272-0150, nmonastersky@phi.org

The Latino population in California is increasing more rapidly than any other ethnic or racial group in the state – the need for culturally and linguistically competent health services is evident. In many Latino cultures, pharmacies are often the first-stop for addressing healthcare needs. As pharmacists become more involved with direct patient care, their role in reaching out to the Latino community becomes increasingly salient. Pharmacists in California, thus, are presented with opportunities to impact the health of their Latino patients.

With direct pharmacy access to emergency contraception in California, there are increased opportunities for pharmacies to play a stronger role in family planning, to promote sexual health and well being, and to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. By prominently grouping over-the-counter contraceptive supplies with educational materials in Spanish, in one location, pharmacies have a new opportunity to better meet the needs of Latino consumers and to play a more active role in community education and health promotion. Spanish language educational and promotional materials were developed for 20 retail pharmacy pilot sites in communities with high volumes of Spanish-speaking consumers. Pharmacists in the sites also received training in effective communication with Latinos on reproductive health issues. Lessons learned from implementation, and engaging pharmacy participants to address the healthcare needs for the Latino population were evaluated.

Learning Objectives:

At the session’s end, participants will
• be more aware of culturally and linguistically competent services offered by pharmacists
• understand the need to promote consumer education on birth control and sexually transmitted infections to a Spanish-speaking audience in pharmacies and
• appreciate lessons learned in having pharmacies engage in reproductive health promotion to the Latino community.

Keywords: Latino Health, Family Planning

Related Web page: www.pharmacyaccess.org/FamilyPlanning.htm

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commertial supporters WITH THE EXCEPTION OF I am an employee of Pharmacy Access Partnership..

Recorded presentation