Media Statement of Information - Ontario's community pharmacies receive
support from Older Canadians Network / Alliance of Seniors

TORONTO, April 9 /CNW/ - The Ontario Pharmacists' Association, the Independent Pharmacists of Ontario, and the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores, independently and jointly wish to advise the media of the following endorsement of the Older Canadians Network/Alliance of Seniors:

Statement Begins

"More so than any other group, seniors rely on community pharmacists to help maintain their health and avoid medication-related complications that can lead to increased health risks and costs, said Derrell R. Dular, Managing Director, Older Canadians Network / Alliance of Seniors. "The Older Canadians Network/Alliance of Seniors is very concerned that cuts to pharmacy funding will negatively impact this already vulnerable group by making it harder to access local care, and reducing the ability of pharmacists, as trusted healthcare providers, to provide services such as medication management, specialty packaging, education, and home delivery, services on which Ontario's seniors have come to rely."

Statement Ends

About Ontario's Community Pharmacies

The Ontario's Community Pharmacies coalition is the unified voice of community pharmacy in Ontario, representing independent owner-operated stores, "banner" groups of independently-owned stores that work together, as well as large and small pharmacy chains. The coalition is supported by the associations and organizations that represent both the profession and the neighbourhood business of pharmacy, including the Ontario Pharmacists' Association, the Independent Pharmacists of Ontario, the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores and the Ontario Chain Drug Association.

Editors Note: Pharmacists Ms. Rita Winn, RPh, BScPhm, is available for one-on-one interviews this afternoon.

For further information: Ontario's Community Pharmacies Coalition Media Hotline, [phone] x202