H. Res. 1437 

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

September 27, 2008. 

Whereas the United States is recognized globally as a hub of 

medical research and advances, where many diseases once 

correctly considered fatal now can be treated through sophisticated medical interventions including powerful 

medications; 

Whereas we are at an unprecedented period in our history, 

a period when medication therapy is the treatment of 

choice for an ever-growing range of medical conditions, 

and the use of medication as a cost-effective alternative 

to more expensive medical procedures is becoming a 

major force in moderating overall health care costs; 

Whereas many chronic health conditions can be managed so 

that individuals are able to lead more vital, productive, 

and satisfying lives; 

Whereas with the complexity of medication therapy, it is critically important that all users of prescription and nonprescription medications, or their caregivers, be knowledgeable about and share responsibility for their own 

medication therapy; 

Whereas more individuals are using powerful prescription 

medications and over-the-counter (OTC) products along 

with dietary supplements, herbals, and other products re-
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quiring patients to have a partner on their health care 

team to help navigate the complexities of using medications safely and effectively; 

Whereas pharmacists, the medication experts on the health 

care team, are working collaboratively with patients, caregivers, and other health professionals to improve medication use and advance patient care in a myriad of settings; 

Whereas pharmacists are improving health care in community 

pharmacies, hospitals and health systems, nursing homes 

and hospice centers, health plans, and in patient’s own 

homes, as well as in the uniformed services, the government, and in research and academic settings; 

Whereas while many people in the United States are concerned about the costs of their medications, the most expensive medication is the one that does not work as intended or is taken incorrectly, and billions of health care 

dollars are lost each year due to ineffective use of medications; 

Whereas pharmacy is one of the oldest of the health professions concerned with the health and well-being of all people, and today, there are more than 254,000 licensed 

pharmacists in the United States providing services to assure the rational and safe use of all medications; and 

Whereas as medication therapy management improves the 

health outcomes of millions of people in the United 

States each year, the role of the pharmacist only 

strengthens in importance, and by consulting with physicians and other prescribers, providing proper medications, and helping patients understand their medications, 

pharmacists improve our health care system and save 

lives: Now, therefore, be it 
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Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

(1) supports the designation of ‘‘American Pharmacists Month’’ with the theme ‘‘Know Your Medicine/ 

Know Your Pharmacist’’, encouraging people in the 

United States to identify a pharmacist as their own, to 

introduce themselves to that pharmacist, and to open a 

dialogue by asking questions; 

(2) urges all citizens to celebrate America’s pharmacists for their contributions to the health and wellbeing of our citizens and hereby support the designation 

of ‘‘American Pharmacists Month’’; and 

(3) urges all citizens to acknowledge the valuable 

contributions made by pharmacists in providing safe, affordable, and beneficial medication therapy management 

services and products to the people of this Nation. 

Attest: 

Clerk.