By Van de Putte H.R. No. 259 74R6902 BNL-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas Pharmacy Practice Coalition represents the 1-2 concerns of pharmacists across the state, and its members provide a 1-3 unique and essential health care service to doctors and patients 1-4 alike; and 1-5 WHEREAS, The rigorous academic and licensing preparation 1-6 required of pharmacists ensures that they are knowledgeable in the 1-7 fields of chemistry, biology, anatomy, and medicine; and 1-8 WHEREAS, These important health care practitioners specialize 1-9 in the uses, side effects, interactions, and contraindications of 1-10 prescription and over-the-counter drugs; by monitoring their 1-11 customers' medical and prescription drug histories, pharmacists are 1-12 able to alert doctors to any serious reactions a patient might 1-13 experience from a specific drug, and they also educate customers 1-14 about the warning signs of allergic reactions or overdoses; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Patients not only rely on pharmacists to explain the 1-16 correct dosages and instructions for taking prescription 1-17 medications, but also draw on the extensive knowledge of these 1-18 dedicated professionals in choosing over-the-counter remedies as 1-19 well; individuals often consult their pharmacists to determine if 1-20 medical attention is warranted, and by directing patients to see 1-21 their doctors when symptoms suggest a serious problem, pharmacists 1-22 perform a critical public health service; and 1-23 WHEREAS, In recent years, federal legislation has sought to 1-24 expand the role that pharmacists play in the delivery of health 2-1 care services, and many Americans support this concept; nationwide 2-2 Gallup polls have repeatedly recognized pharmacists as the most 2-3 respected professionals in the country; and 2-4 WHEREAS, Always available to answer questions, provide 2-5 commonsense advice, or offer reassurance to a customer, the 2-6 pharmacist is an admired and respected member of the American 2-7 health care system; pharmacists' ability to provide enlightening 2-8 information on a myriad of health topics greatly enhances the 2-9 health and well-being of all Texans, and thus they are indeed 2-10 deserving of special praise and recognition; now, therefore, be it 2-11 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-12 Legislature hereby designate February 23, 1995, as Texas Pharmacy 2-13 Day and pay tribute to the Texas Pharmacy Practice Coalition in 2-14 recognition of the vital health care service provided by Texas 2-15 pharmacists; and, be it further 2-16 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-17 prepared for the Texas Pharmacy Practice Coalition as an expression 2-18 of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.