Published on 06/29/2009

Pack Your Bag™ Events Bring Educational Outreach to Senior Centers Throughout Pennsylvania This Summer

CVS Offers Opportunity to Discuss Medications with Pharmacist

Eight out of ten older Americans have at least one chronic health problem, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. According to CVS/pharmacy, fifty percent of Medicare Part D participants take an average of eight or more prescriptions regularly. With increased use of medications, both prescription and over-the-counter treatments, comes increased risk of adverse drug interactions and increased costs.

To address this important issue, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and CVS/pharmacy are bringing the Pack Your Bag(TM) medication consultation program to Pennsylvania. The program encourages seniors to pack a bag with their medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements for a comprehensive review in one-on-one consultations with a local CVS pharmacist. The program also includes a presentation by the pharmacist on improving health through medication compliance and advice on how to save money on medications.

A Pack Your Bag program is being held today at the Center in the Park in Philadelphia and will offer seniors one-on-one medication consultations with CVS pharmacists. This event is just one of 24 Pack Your Bag events that will be taking place throughout Pennsylvania this summer.

"The Center in the Park is excited to be participating in the Pack Your Bag program this summer," said Lynn Harris, Executive Director of the Center in the Park. "Medication management is an important aspect of healthy aging. The Pack Your Bag program allows us to provide an important educational service to the seniors in our community."

In over 5,000 Pack Your Bag consultations since the program's inception last year, CVS pharmacists have found:

  --  7% of seniors were taking expired medications
  --  15% were not taking medications as prescribed
  --  10% were at risk for potential drug interactions
  --  15% had the opportunity to switch to money-saving generics

"It's important to review your medication regimen with your pharmacist on a regular basis, especially when filling a new prescription," said William Hanna, R.Ph., Pharmacy Supervisor at CVS/pharmacy. "For older people who often see multiple doctors, the pharmacy is a central point of care where potential drug interactions can be averted. What's more, pharmacists are aware of the latest generic medications available and can suggest ways our patients can save money while maintaining good health. This is especially important in these economic times."

The Pack Your Bag program is available nationwide to senior centers located within five miles of a CVS/pharmacy store location. Seniors can also visit their local CVS for a personal consultation with a pharmacist. To find the CVS/pharmacy nearest you, call 1-800-SHOP-CVS or visit CVS.com.

Below is a list of upcoming Pack Your Bag events scheduled throughout Pennsylvania. Seniors can sign up to attend by contacting the individual center directly:

  July   7th        The Center at Journeys Way, Philadelphia
  July   7th        Plymouth Senior Center, Plymouth
  July   8th        Charles T. Adams Center, Wilkes-Barre
  July   9th        BNai Brith House Senior Center, Allentown
  July   9th        John F. Kennedy Center, Erie
  July   14th       Main Street Center, Clarion
  July   14th       Schaner Senior Adult Center, Enola
  July   14th       FCCAA Union Town Center, Union Town
  July   22nd       Bedford Senior Center, Bedford
  July   22nd       Edwardsville Senior Center, Edwardsville
  July   22nd       Harleysville Senior Center, Harleysville
  July   23rd       Philadelphia Housing Authority, Philadelphia
  July   29th       Blair Senior Center, Altoona
  August 4th        JCCs Stiffel Senior Center, Philadelphia
  August 4th        Philadelphia Housing Authority, Philadelphia
  August 19th       Blair Senior Center, Altoona
  August 20th       Chaneysville Senior Center, Clearville
  August 24th       Mohler Senior Center, Hershey