In times of crisis, pharmacists step up again

Yet again, British Columbia has been hit with another disaster. This week’s flooding and mudslides cutting off communities have us all moving from one crisis into another. 

And each time disaster strikes, my pride in being a B.C. community pharmacist grows. Out of these catastrophes – whether they be wildfires, pandemics, floods, or mudslides – British Columbians have come together to help each other. And pharmacists, as always, step in to keep things going, making sure stranded or evacuated patients get their life-saving medications.

Some of our colleagues have had to close their pharmacies because of evacuation orders as the waters rose. Others, like pharmacists in Hope, have been completely cut off from ground distribution routes. However, even in the midst of trying to care for your pharmacies and staff, you are there helping patients.

As soon as the news broke on highways being closed, the BC Pharmacy Association began reaching out to members to understand what it would take to make sure pharmacies had a steady supply of medications. This included looking at cold-chain requirements and making sure patients on OAT could get their medications. 

We quickly alerted government officials, who immediately prioritized delivery of medications destined for pharmacies east and north of Coast Mountains, making sure pharmacies in the Interior and North would have a consistent supply for patients. On behalf of the pharmacists of BC, I want to thank the Province for its quick response so pharmacists can continue caring for patients. 

While we are in the early stages of the response, I want all pharmacists to know how much they are appreciated and recognized for their commitment.

Thank you for helping each other and the people of British Columbia.

Annette Robinson
President
BC Pharmacy Association