February 2017 In Touch Newsletter

ccpmrc.org February 2017

CCPMRC’s PrepareDC Outreach initiative impacts thousands of D.C. residents every year through emergency preparedness and community resilience outreach opportunities. We utilize the knowledge of our trained volunteers to offer educational resources and supplies at each of our PrepareDC events. As a recap to our most recent winter initiative, CCPMRC had the privilege to conduct PrepareDC and served over 3,500 DC seniors from across each ward to promote their health and wellness. This took place during DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Annual Senior Holiday Celebration. We provided attendees with educational resources on emergency preparedness and medication safety. We also bolstered the community resilience of those in attendance giving away key tools to improve their preparedness at home such as pill boxes, first aid kits, and flashlights. With a new year comes a renewed resolve to continue impacting and improving the lives of residents across the District!

-Ryan Frazier, Chief of Community Resilience

Heart Health Month: Go Red!

February is the month that many healthcare professionals, patients, and community advocates shed light on heart disease. For yet another year, heart disease is still the No. 1 cause of death amongst men and women in the United States. It is estimated that 1 out of every 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.

There is gap in cardiovascular disease (CVD) diagnosis and treatment amongst minority communities. Ethnic and racial differences are major risk factors of CVD and contribute to the large gap of healthcare inequalities seen in minorities.

However heart disease is preventable! It can be managed with adequate care and knowledge. February is an important month in which people can spread awareness on heart disease and promote proper care to those in need.

What can you do?

Engage in numerous community events hosted American Heart Association along with many other organizations to advocate awareness of heart disease and the health disparities.
Educate others to understand the gaps and risk factors of CVD.
Encourage those around you to make small changes to a healthier direction and actively maintain their health.
Join others on February 3^rd in supporting women and heart disease by wearing RED!!

-Iman Ahmed, Chief of Public Relations

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/
https://healthfinder.gov/nho/FebruaryToolkit.aspx

Wellness Fair Outreach Design Scholarship is now OPEN!

Eligibility: Current CCPMRC Member & Organize teams of at least 2 individuals

Deadline: March 10, 2017

Volunteer Spotlight

Jasmine Inman
Student Pharmacist

1. Why did you choose pharmacy as a profession?
I chose pharmacy school because I have a large interest in health care and biochemistry. This field allows me to be an integral part of a health provider team while zoning in on my biochemistry skills in order to improve patient outcomes.
2. Why do you volunteer for CCPMRC?
I volunteer for CCPMRC because I want to gain exposure to emergency medicine. This organization allows pharmacy students to become well-rounded and prepared to use their skills in unexpected scenarios.
3. What activities have you participated in recently with CCPMRC?
I recently volunteered during the opening of the National Smithsonian African American Museum grand opening, where I assisted with patient tracking.
4. Where do you see the future of pharmacy?
I see myself as a well rounded Pharmacist with exposure to different aspects of the industry.
5. Why are pharmacists an integral part of the healthcare team?
Pharmacist are important as the drug expert because all health improvement plans involve medications. We are the glue holding the puzzle together.
6. What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include swimming, reading, and running.

Spring
Training
Symposium

PrepareDC

Point of Dispensing

Patient Triaging

UP TO 6 HOURS OF CEs

AND MORE!

Stay tuned for more details.

Look out for the 4th Annual Wellness Fair this spring!

Are you interested in being featured in the Volunteer Spotlight? If you are a current member, be sure to check your email in the future for details!

National Drug and Alcohol Abuse Month – Opioid Epidemic

January is drug abuse month! As prescription opioid abuse rises across the nation, it is important to know how to respond in case of an emergency. Your timely response can save a life, and even prevent irreversible damage that can occur when these substances reach toxic levels in the body. Read the 4 quick steps that just might save a life below:

Step 1: Call for Help (Dial 911): Opioid overdoses need immediate medical attention.

Step 2: Check for Signs of Opioid Overdose: A few signs of opioid overdose are a limp body, finger nails that have blue or purple cast, patient is vomiting or making gurgling noises, breathing/heartbeat is stopped. (If patient is conscious than stop at Step 1 if overdose suspected)

Step 3: Support Persons Breathing: You want to be sure that the person has nothing in their mouth that can prevent their breathing. It is also important that you place one hand on person’s chin, tilt their head back and pinch their nose. Place your mouth on the person’s mouth and make a seal, give the person one breath every 5 seconds until professionals arrive.

Step 4: Administer Naloxone (Narcan) if available: Most places now allow people to purchase Naloxone with out a prescription. See any pharmacist and check your local laws. Naloxone is a reversal agent for opioids, and can be administered, simply by depressing a spray up the nose. This is not a replacement for medical care and they should still be called in case of suspected overdose to ensure best possible out comes.

If you do not have your own Naloxone in your emergency preparedness kit, it is seriously encouraged. You never know whose life just might be saved!

-Detron M. Brown, MPH

Upcoming Events

February 16, 2017

Senior Health Event

MRC's Impact On the Nation's Capitol - November 2016

Initiatives
2

RESIDENTS REACHED

>2325

How can I maintain my active member status?

Participate in AT LEAST 3 community outreach events per calendar year (starting from June)
Participate in AT LEAST 1 POD exercise per calendar year (starting from June)
Complete AT LEAST 1 MRC TRAIN module per calendar year (starting from June)

By maintaining your Active Member Status, you will have first priority on volunteering on events such as the presidential inauguration, be able to attend the end of the year CCPMRC Volunteer Appreciation Banquet (which includes several free giveaways), as well as other benefits from future partnering companies.

Again, THANK YOU for all your efforts in making CCPMRC great!

CCPMRC is also now a part of DC Responds, a section of the Department of Health's national initiative to coordinate and mobilize volunteers to respond to all types of emergencies.
We recommend members to register at this website:
https://www.dcresponds.org/agreement.php

Please sign up for MRC TRAIN as soon as possible, using the following link: www.mrc.train.org
A module will be chosen each calendar year to refresh your knowledge on an MRC initiative, or introduce you to a new one. Feel free, however, to peruse through modules at your leisure.

STAY CONNECTED WITH CCPMRC

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Mission State and Goals of CCPMRC

The mission of CCPMRC is to engage volunteers to strengthen public health, emergency response and community resilience.

The goal of CCPMRC is to increase the number of trained pharmacy students, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to prepare for and respond to emergencies and promote healthy living throughout the year. This MRC has been uniquely established in October 2013 to recruit and train volunteers to provide pharmacy-related functions during an emergency situation. Pharmacy related functions include but are not limited to mass vaccinations, staffing medical point-of-dispensing stations and provision of emergency supply of chronic medications.This effort will be supported by the District of Columbia- Department of Health, Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Administration

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Capitol City Pharmacy MRC · 2300 4th St NW · Washington, DC 20059 · USA