Oral

Pharmacies and other commercial outlets represent an important source of reproductive health care. However, pharmacy settings may not always provide good quality services and information. In New York, a program was initiated to increase access to and awareness of Emergency Contraception (EC) through pharmacies and other outlets. The strategies used and the lessons learned during this endeavor will be shared in the first presentation. In many African countries, small private drug shops are the first stop for rural dwellers seeking health care. These are sometimes controversial, because drug shop operators are notorious for providing health services for which they are not qualified. The second panelist will examine illegal provision of Depo Provera in three rural districts in Uganda. Turning back to the US, a telephone survey was conducted in the rural Midwest to quantify provider’s attitudes towards access to contraceptive products. The issues faced by providers offering contraceptive products will be presented. EC services are available both by prescription and over- the- counter in the US. The last two presentations will discuss how to promote pharmacies in the US as a point of access for reproductive health services and supplies.

Session Objectives: 1) Understand preliminary results of the project regarding EC distribution and provider education 2) Describe the reasons why drug shops are controversial in Africa 3) Discuss issues faced by providers in providing contraceptive products, particularly in rural areas 4) Understand barriers and strategies to implement/bring new clinical reproductive health services, beyond EC, to local pharmacies 5) Understand EC course content and curricula being taught at US pharmacy schools.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing