THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 2, 1995 TAG: 9503310026
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
This month, in the midst of a community crisis, my husband and other community independent pharmacists worked extended hours and put forth extra effort in order to help serve the community.
The outbreak of meningitis and the manner in which local independent pharmacists responded is why, for the sixth straight year, pharmacists were voted the most trusted professional (according to a Gallup Poll).
I assure you these pharmacists did not do what they did for the money but because they are health-care providers who truly care about their patients.
Many corporations, as well as Virginia's government, are encouraging their employees to go mail order for their prescriptions. They say it is more cost-effective, although studies show that this is not true. Local pharmacists who know and care about their patients may be the important link in health care.
I dare say that the students, faculty and parents of Norfolk Academy would not have wanted to wait for their rifampin to be mailed to them. Residents should ``just say no'' to mail-order prescriptions, or they may find the number of independent pharmacies decreasing.
NANCY G. SCHREIER
Norfolk, March 27, 1995 by CNB