Personal Medication Supply In Times Of Disaster - American Medical Association

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Also Included In: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 19 Jun 2008 - 8:00 PDT

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The American Medical Association (AMA), the nation's largest physician organization, voted today at its Annual Meeting to adopt the following new public health policy.

Earthquakes, hurricanes and floods have headlined recent news reports. This new policy supports allowing all patients with chronic medical conditions to maintain an emergency reserve of prescription medications. It also encourages patients to carry a list of current medications and the prescribing physician's contact information with them to ensure continuity of care in the event of a disaster or other emergency.

"There are more than 125 million Americans living with chronic illnesses who rely on medication," said AMA Board Member Steven Stack, M.D. "Disasters can happen at any time, and ensuring that patients with chronic conditions have access to needed medications may help minimize the uncertainty, confusion and health risks following a disaster."

American Medical Association
http://www.ama-assn.org