Italian pharmacists launch Initiative to Improve Community Health
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Crotone, Italy – A new non-profit organization, “Pharmacists for teh Community,” has been established in Crotone and its surrounding province. The group aims to revitalize the pharmaceutical profession and bolster local healthcare services, according to a press release issued by the association’s board of directors, led by Oreste Gualtieri.
The initiative’s core mission, as stated by the organization, is to “promote a pharmacy model based on values of professionalism, empathy, competence and respect for every citizen, with particular attention to the most vulnerable people.” They plan to strengthen the patient-pharmacist relationship through preventative health programs and enhanced monitoring initiatives. “We intend to strengthen the relationship of trust between pharmacist and patient, developing initiatives to improve prevention and health monitoring,” the press release emphasizes.
Accessibility and Prevention at the Forefront
The board, which includes Leonardo Achille (vice president), Angela Trichilo (secretary), Miriam Ciriaco (treasurer), and Benedetta Siciliani (councilor), envisions a more accessible and welcoming pharmacy experience. “We are pharmacists with different experiences (pharmacists owners, employees, hospitalists and autonomous), united by a common vision: to make the pharmacy an accessible and welcoming place, where every citizen can find answers to thier health needs and human and professional support,” they explained. The group hopes to re-establish the pharmacist as a key figure in community well-being, bringing healthcare closer to the people.
Beyond accessibility, “Pharmacists for the Community” is committed to preventative care and addressing medication misuse. The organization also supports the Mimosa Project of “Pharmacists Together,” a campaign dedicated to assisting women who are victims of domestic violence.The group’s commitment to community health aligns with the United Nations’ enduring Development Goals, particularly SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages. “Pharmacists for the Community – it is indeed underlined – is inspired by the sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, in particular SDG 3, which aims to guarantee health and well-being for all at all ages. We work to make this objective concrete, promoting initiatives that place the person at the center and guarantee every citizen access to quality care, prevention and support in health management,” according to the press release.
Expanding the Pharmacist’s Role
The association seeks to elevate the pharmacist’s role as a comprehensive healthcare consultant. Their goals include collaborating with other healthcare professionals to create personalized treatment plans, providing ongoing training to meet evolving industry demands, and launching public awareness campaigns on preventative health measures, vaccinations, and responsible medication use.They also aim to improve access to pharmaceutical services in underserved areas.“Enhance the role of the pharmacist as a 360-degree health consultant, in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to guide patients in personalized treatment paths; Promote continuous training to respond to the new challenges of the sector and always guarantee a quality service to citizens; Raising awareness among the population about prevention and health education, with data campaigns on common pathologies, vaccinations, conscious use of medicines and prevention of chronic diseases; Support accessibility to pharmaceutical services, especially in peripheral and underserved areas, to guarantee all citizens access to care. Listen to the needs of the community and collaborate with local health authorities to build a more inclusive local health system that is attentive to the real needs of the area,” the board stated.
A Call to Action
The organization extends an invitation to pharmacists throughout Italy and beyond to join their initiative. “We believe that change is built through dialog and collaboration. We invite all pharmacists from Crotone and the Province (but also those from outside the region) who share our values to join us on this journey, to build a more inclusive, modern healthcare system serving the community. Together we can make a difference,ensuring that our profession truly represents the needs of all pharmacists and responds to the challenges of a constantly evolving sector,” the board concluded. Interested parties can contact the organization via email at farmacistiperlacollettivitakr@gmail.com or by phone at +39 351 4768675.
Pharmacists for the Community: Reimagining Healthcare Access in Calabria
A new non-profit institution in Italy, “Pharmacists for the Community,” is working to improve access to healthcare and preventative care services, with a particular focus on underserved communities. Their innovative approach aims to reposition pharmacists as central figures in community well-being. We spoke to Dr. Sofia Rossi, a leading voice in Italian public health and a specialist in rural healthcare systems, about the initiative and its potential impact.
Understanding the Need for Change
WTN Senior Editor: Dr. Rossi, “Pharmacists for the Community” is advocating for a significant shift in how we view pharmacists’ roles within the healthcare system. can you elaborate on the primary concerns driving this initiative?
Dr. Sofia Rossi: Absolutely. Italy, particularly in rural areas like Crotone Province, faces challenges in accessing quality healthcare. While we have a strong public healthcare system, there are often gaps, especially in preventative care and personalized medical guidance. This initiative addresses this by recognizing the unique position pharmacists hold within communities. They are often the most accessible healthcare professionals, trusted sources of information, and can play a larger role in promoting health literacy and early intervention.
Empowering Pharmacists as Healthcare Consultants
WTN Senior Editor: The organization emphasizes “360-degree health consultations.” Can you explain what this means in a practical sense for individuals seeking care?
Dr. Sofia Rossi: Imagine visiting your local pharmacist not just for medication but also for advice on managing chronic conditions, understanding new treatment options, accessing reliable health information, and even receiving guidance on lifestyle choices that impact well-being. This model empowers pharmacists to become true health consultants,working in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to provide personalized care plans.
Accessibility and Equity at the Core
WTN Senior Editor: Accessibility is a key theme throughout the “Pharmacists for the Community” mission. How does their approach aim to bridge healthcare gaps, particularly for vulnerable populations?
Dr. Sofia Rossi: By focusing on making pharmacies more welcoming and accessible, they are directly addressing the needs of marginalized communities, older adults, and individuals who may face barriers in accessing traditional healthcare settings. Offering extended hours, multilingual support, and culturally sensitive services are examples of how they can create a more inclusive healthcare experience.
Looking Ahead: A Model for the Future?
WTN Senior Editor: Do you believe this model has the potential to be replicated in other regions and contribute to broader healthcare reform?
dr.Sofia Rossi: Certainly. The “Pharmacists for the Community” initiative offers a valuable blueprint for reimagining how we deliver healthcare, putting the focus on primary care, prevention, and community engagement. By harnessing the expertise and accessibility of pharmacists, we can create a more equitable and effective healthcare system for everyone.
the organization’s commitment to working with local authorities and building partnerships underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving enduring change. This approach holds immense promise for the future of healthcare in Italy and beyond.
