[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1437 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                    September 27, 2008.
Whereas the United States is recognized globally as a hub of medical research 
        and advances, where many diseases once correctly considered fatal now 
        can be treated through sophisticated medical interventions including 
        powerful medications;
Whereas we are at an unprecedented period in our history, a period when 
        medication therapy is the treatment of choice for an ever-growing range 
        of medical conditions, and the use of medication as a cost-effective 
        alternative to more expensive medical procedures is becoming a major 
        force in moderating overall health care costs;
Whereas many chronic health conditions can be managed so that individuals are 
        able to lead more vital, productive, and satisfying lives;
Whereas with the complexity of medication therapy, it is critically important 
        that all users of prescription and nonprescription medications, or their 
        caregivers, be knowledgeable about and share responsibility for their 
        own medication therapy;
Whereas more individuals are using powerful prescription medications and over-
        the-counter (OTC) products along with dietary supplements, herbals, and 
        other products requiring patients to have a partner on their health care 
        team to help navigate the complexities of using medications safely and 
        effectively;
Whereas pharmacists, the medication experts on the health care team, are working 
        collaboratively with patients, caregivers, and other health 
        professionals to improve medication use and advance patient care in a 
        myriad of settings;
Whereas pharmacists are improving health care in community pharmacies, hospitals 
        and health systems, nursing homes and hospice centers, health plans, and 
        in patient's own homes, as well as in the uniformed services, the 
        government, and in research and academic settings;
Whereas while many people in the United States are concerned about the costs of 
        their medications, the most expensive medication is the one that does 
        not work as intended or is taken incorrectly, and billions of health 
        care dollars are lost each year due to ineffective use of medications;
Whereas pharmacy is one of the oldest of the health professions concerned with 
        the health and well-being of all people, and today, there are more than 
        254,000 licensed pharmacists in the United States providing services to 
        assure the rational and safe use of all medications; and
Whereas as medication therapy management improves the health outcomes of 
        millions of people in the United States each year, the role of the 
        pharmacist only strengthens in importance, and by consulting with 
        physicians and other prescribers, providing proper medications, and 
        helping patients understand their medications, pharmacists improve our 
        health care system and save lives: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of ``American Pharmacists Month'' with 
        the theme ``Know Your Medicine/Know Your Pharmacist'', encouraging 
        people in the United States to identify a pharmacist as their own, to 
        introduce themselves to that pharmacist, and to open a dialogue by 
        asking questions;
            (2) urges all citizens to celebrate America's pharmacists for their 
        contributions to the health and well-being of our citizens and hereby 
        support the designation of ``American Pharmacists Month''; and
            (3) urges all citizens to acknowledge the valuable contributions 
        made by pharmacists in providing safe, affordable, and beneficial 
        medication therapy management services and products to the people of 
        this Nation.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.