Some have even fallen victim to fraud or robbery at the hands of those addicted to prescription medications. We know the power of prescription medications to heal and improve life. We also know that if abused or misused, those same medications can be agents of destruction. Education and awareness are key. We are pleased to join with the National Institute on Drug in promoting this public health initiative.
Independent pharmacists have a long history as drug abuse educators in their communities.
NCPA has recognized this community contribution through its annual Drug Abuse Education Award, which recognizes an independent community pharmacist for his or her efforts to educate their communities about drug abuse. Information on some of our most recent winners is located on the information table. We hope to continue this tradition through our participation in NIDA's prescription drug abuse initiative. We commend NIDA for taking the lead in bringing this important and growing issue to the public's attention. The nation's independent pharmacies, independent chains, and independent franchises employ more than 60,000 pharmacists and dispense nearly half of the nation's three billion retail prescription medicines.