(November 4, 2005 - Alexandria, Virginia) The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP), the recognized expert in geriatric pharmacotherapy, and Walgreens Health Initiatives have signed a collaborative agreement for the development of a comprehensive Geriatric-Centric medication therapy management (MTM) continuing education program. Under this agreement, ASCP will design a multi-step educational program for improving senior care pharmacy skills for Walgreens Health Initiatives network of pharmacists.

“I am extremely pleased to announce this first-of-its-kind educational initiative between ASCP and Walgreens Health Initiatives, the pharmacy benefit management subsidiary of Walgreen Co.,” proclaimed ASCP Executive Director and CEO John Feather. “While medications are probably the single most important factor in improving the quality of life for older Americans, the nation’s seniors are especially at risk for medication-related problems due to the physiological changes of aging, higher incidents of multiple chronic diseases and conditions, and greater consumption of prescription and over-the-counter medications. I applaud Walgreens Health Initiatives for their commitment toward ensuring that their pharmacists understand the unique medication needs of the senior population.”

The initial continuing education element entails the development of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy Essential Tools for the Pharmacist, a series of seven specialized modules on the nuances of treating the over 65 population. Upon completion of the series, pharmacists may elect to step up to the next level of ASCP senior care education, Geriatric Pharmacy Review through GeriatricPharmacyReview.com. For those who wish to further expand their knowledge of senior care pharmacy practice, discounts will be offered to those pharmacists who successfully complete the seven modules. The culmination of these educational efforts would be sitting for the Certified Geriatric Pharmacist exam and earning the professional credential CGP, which recognizes the status of preferred providers of pharmaceutical care to seniors.

“Walgreens Health Initiatives is proud to collaborate with ASCP in providing quality senior care professional education for pharmacists,” declared Jim Langman, vice president, clinical services. “This continuing education initiative is in final development and will be available to pharmacists and technicians across the Walgreens Health Initiatives network of pharmacies in support of the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. The programs will be hosted on Walgreens Health Initiatives new continuing education website (www.mywalgreensce.com) at no charge.


The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists is the international professional association that provides leadership, education, advocacy, and resources to advance the practice of senior care pharmacy. Consultant pharmacists specializing in senior care pharmacy practice are essential participants in the health care system, recognized and valued for the practice of pharmaceutical care for the senior population and people with chronic illness. In their role as medication therapy experts, consultant pharmacists take responsibility for their patients’ medication-related needs; ensure that their patients’ medications are the most appropriate, the most effective, the safest possible, and are used correctly; and identify, resolve, and prevent medication-related problems that may interfere with the goals of therapy. ASCP’s 7,000 members manage and improve drug therapy and improve the quality of life of geriatric patients and other individuals residing in a variety of environments, including nursing facilities, subacute care and assisted living facilities, psychiatric hospitals, hospice programs, and in-home and community-based care.

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