From the SmokeFree Times newsletter, American Lung Association of Rhode Island, Fall 1996, p. 7
Tobacco Free Pharmacy Campaign Grows
The Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Association (RIPA) and the Rhode Island Department of Health/ Project ASSIST have joined forces in an effort to promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Rhode Island. The Tobacco Free Pharmacy Campaign (TFPC) will utilize the pharmacist's role as the most accessible health care professional, to provide appropriate counseling, support, information, and referrals directly to the patients that will benefit most from tobacco cessation, according to RIPA president Robert A. Tortolani, R.Ph.
This state-level campaign is designed to decrease the availability of tobacco products in pharmacies and to encourage pharmacists to provide tobacco cessation counseling and support to their patients. Through this program, pharmacists can help to decrease the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic lung disease in the citizens of Rhode Island.
Rhode Island pharmacists can join the Tobacco Free Pharmacy Campaign by participating in one or more levels of the TFPC and will be recognized at any level:
Level 1: Provide tobacco cessation support counseling, information and referrals to patients
Level 2: Designate the pharmacy as a smoke free zone
Level 3: Decrease the open availability of tobacco and tobacco related products
Level 4: Remove tobacco product advertising from the pharmacy
Level 5: Become a Tobacco Free Pharmacy
Six pharmacies have already joined Levels 1-5. Congratulations to these proprietors for implementing one or more of the 5 Levels of the Tobacco Free Pharmacy Campaign:
Baker's Pharmacy, Jamestown - Tim Baker
Bristol County Pharmacy, Bristol - Tom Ascoli
ESCO Drug Company, Providence - Mark Goldberg
Moshassuck Pharmacy, Providence - Sue Sidel
Ocean Pharmacy, Wyoming - Scott Campbell and Kathy Kettle
Pawtuxet Valley Rx, Coventry - Leo Blais
For more information about the TFPC call Carmine Catalano, Coordinator, TFPC, 401-725-4141. To join, contact Kathy at the Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Association, 500 Prospect Street, Pawtucket, RI, 02860, 401-725-4141.
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Read other articles in Fall 1996 issue:
"Lung Association Receives ASSIST Contract for Tobacco Control Network"
"The Mob Rules at Chariho High School"
"Reducing Youth Access to Tobacco Makes Headlines in 1996"
"Rhode Island Well-Represented at National Tobacco Control Conference"
"Smoking and Kids Don't Mix in North Kingstown"
"Speaking Out, Not Lighting Up" at LaSalle Academy
"Tobacco Control Network Needs You!"
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