[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 93 (Monday, June 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FOR WINNING THE 
                             PINNACLE AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2007

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, located in my 
Congressional district, on receiving the 2007 Pinnacle Award from the 
American Pharmacists Association Foundation. This national award 
celebrates innovators who have made significant contributions to 
improving the quality of medication delivery for patients and 
caregivers.
  Los Angeles County is home to more than 2.7 million uninsured 
residents, many of whom rely on their local health care clinic for 
needed health services. USC's Community Pharmacy Group earned this 
honor for their work to serve patients in eight safety-net clinics in 
underserved neighborhoods in Los Angeles, including the JWCH Medical 
Clinic at the Weingart Center located in the heart of downtown Los 
Angeles' Skid Row.
  Recognizing that community pharmacists are often the most accessible 
health care professionals for many underserved patients, USC has 
trained pharmacists along with residents and students to provide 
disease management services to high-risk patients, and has helped 
community clinics purchase lower-cost medication. USC pharmacists work 
directly with patients with chronic diseases requiring ongoing 
medication and lifestyle changes. By implementing pharmacist-based 
disease management services and education at these clinics, the USC 
Community Pharmacy Group has demonstrated significant improvements in 
health outcomes directly attributed to pharmacist interventions.
  Prior to the start of the project, none of the eight clinics had a 
pharmacist available to provide pharmaceutical care to patients in the 
clinic. Pharmacists have reduced drug costs at the clinics by utilizing 
patient assistance programs and formulary products. The results were 
outstanding; patients with chronic conditions increased their use of 
appropriate medications and improved control of their illnesses.
  Madam Speaker, I applaud USC for their commitment to improving health 
outcomes for low-income patients in Los Angeles. It is my hope that the 
recognition USC receives through the Pinnacle Award will prompt other 
communities to try similar successful interventions. Together, through 
these types of efforts, we can improve the quality of life for millions 
of underserved Americans in need of quality health care.

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