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 so-
phisticated 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 criti-
cally important that all users of prescription and non-
prescription medications, or their caregivers, be knowl-
edgeable 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-
•HRES 1437 EH 
quiring patients to have a partner on their health care 
team to help navigate the complexities of using medica-
tions safely and effectively; 
Whereas pharmacists, the medication experts on the health 
care team, are working collaboratively with patients, care-
givers, and other health professionals to improve medica-
tion 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 govern-
ment, and in research and academic settings; 
Whereas while many people in the United States are con-
cerned about the costs of their medications, the most ex-
pensive medication is the one that does not work as in-
tended or is taken incorrectly, and billions of health care 
dollars are lost each year due to ineffective use of medi-
cations; 
Whereas pharmacy is one of the oldest of the health profes-
sions concerned with the health and well-being of all peo-
ple, and today, there are more than 254,000 licensed 
pharmacists in the United States providing services to as-
sure 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 physi-
cians and other prescribers, providing proper medica-
tions, and helping patients understand their medications, 
pharmacists improve our health care system and save 
lives: Now, therefore, be it
•HRES 1437 EH 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) supports the designation of ‘‘American Phar-
macists 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 phar-
macists for their contributions to the health and well- 
being 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, af-
fordable, and beneficial medication therapy management 
services and products to the people of this Nation. 
Attest: 
Clerk.