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State Representative Dean, Ferris State University, Diplomat Pharmacy- To Discuss Pilot Flu Study- Pharmacists on Frontlines to Help Flu Victims
25 February 09
State Representative Dean, Ferris State University, Diplomat Pharmacy- To Discuss Pilot Flu Study- Pharmacists on Frontlines to Help Flu Victims
Grand Rapids, MI (Diplomat Pharmacy) Feb. 25, 2009 – Representative Rev. Robert Dean D-Grand Rapids- 75th House District) will meet with a Ferris State University professor and clinical pharmacists to discuss an innovative flu study – the first of its kind in the nation – taking place at Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Dean will discuss the influenza project with Professor Michael E. Klepser, PharmD; Brent Hubble,PharmD; and Lindsey Crisp, PharmD. Klepser is Professor of Pharmacy at Ferris State University, Hubble and Crisp are both Clinical Pharmacists at Diplomat. The project is designed to have pharmacists play a larger role in the healthcare system, streamline care and get patients in touch with appropriate treatment.
“The goal is to identify individuals coming into a pharmacy who might have signs and symptoms of influenza,” said Klepser. “Pharmacists are in a prime position to treat patients with the flu because of the interaction we have with patients, and the timeliness with which we can get antivirals to patients.”
Each year influenza contributes to 36,000 deaths and 226,000 hospitalizations.
“By getting antivirals to patients within the first 48 hours we can keep the illness from progressing and possibly prevent hospitalizations,” said Crisp.
The meeting with Dean, Klepser, Hubble and Crisp is 9am- March 2, 2009 at Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy 214 E Fulton, Grand Rapids Michigan.
For more information contact: Michael E. Klepser, Pharm.D., FCCP Professor of Pharmacy (269) 387-7298
About Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy is a privately held health care organization focusing on complete medication management programs for patients with serious and chronic conditions. Key programs include: Oncology, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, Psoriasis, Hemophilia and IVIG. Other specialty areas include Transplant, Fertility, Dialysis Medication Management, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy and Specialty Compounding. The company also specializes in Disease Management programs for Chronic Kidney Disease patients, as well as Home and Out-Patient Infusion. With locations in Flint and Grand Rapids, MI; Cleveland, OH; Chicago, IL; and Ft. Lauderdale, Fl; Diplomat services the specialty pharmacy needs of patients and physicians nationwide.