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This Friday, October 7th, Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) will coordinate with local organizations to host a “Script Your Future Day” to assist constituents taking prescription drugs to learn more about the specific medications they are taking. Approximately 60 local pharmacists working with trained medical technicians will be on hand at three locations in Brevard County to review medications, provide free blood pressure screening and other resources on medication adherence.

“This is an excellent opportunity for folks to find out more about the various prescription medications they are taking, how they should be taken and how these drugs impact their health,” said Posey. “I’m pleased that so many local pharmacists and medical professionals have volunteered their time and expertise to help assist members of our community.”

“Non-adherence to prescribed medication is a major public health concern, but many patients don’t discuss their concerns about medication with a health care professional,” said Whitney Zatzkin, Policy and Advocacy Manager at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. “Pharmacists are among the most visible and accessible members of the health care team, which allows them to begin those conversations with patients about taking medication as prescribed. Student pharmacists can work directly within communities to educate patients about medication adherence and ultimately lead to people living healthier lives.”

“Non-adherence to prescription medication costs the U.S. healthcare system about $300 billion annually,” said Papatya Tankut, RPh, Vice President of Pharmacy Professional Services at CVS/pharmacy, a national partner in Script Your Future. “Our research has shown that patients who do take their medications have lower overall costs, as much as $7,800 less per patient annually. We look forward to working with our Script Your Future campaign partners on medication adherence education to drive better pharmacy care, lower overall costs, and improve patient outcomes.”

“Once a doctor and patient agree on a course of treatment, we strongly recommend that the treatment, or prescribed medication, be followed for the entire course. Just because a patient 'feels better' is no reason to stop taking the medication, or stopping treatment until the end. Only if there is an adverse reaction should a patient stop and consult with his or her physician,” said Gordon “Gus” Littlefield of Mended Hearts.

The “Script Your Future Day” will begin with a panel discussion from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM in Building C of the Brevard County Government Complex, the Commission Chambers, located in Viera. Panelists include experts from the National Consumers League, Viera VA Outpatient Clinic, Bay Street Pharmacy, Mended Hearts and Senior Life.

The panel discussion will be followed by a medication review from 10:30 AM – Noon on the 3rd Floor in the Atlantic Room.

Medication reviews and blood pressure screenings will also be offered from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Hobbs Pharmacy located at 133 N. Banana River Dr. on Merritt Island; and from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at One Senior Place, located at 8085 Spyglass Hill Rd., in Viera.