The conversation on pharmacists and opioids continues

Most of us are engaged in one way or another in supporting patients with pain or assisting those with substance use disorder. To demonstrate the impact of pharmacists have as front line providers in the nationwide opioid crisis, the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association (JAPhA) has published “Opioids, Naloxone, and Beyond: The Intersection of Medication Safety, Public Health, and Pharmacy,” a special issue available online now.

Jeffrey Bratberg, PharmD, BCPS, a long-time advocate for the role of pharmacists in this area and APhA leader, serves as guest editor. He presented during the full-day APhA Pain Institute at APhA2017 on March 24, emphasizing that millions of people are at risk and thousands of people are dying. At the same time, we must continue to provide compassionate care to our patients living with chronic pain.