Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) presented University of Southern California School of Pharmacy officials with a congressional record tribute in honor of its receipt of the 2007 Pinnacle Award from the American Pharmacists Association Foundation. Located in Boyle Heights and Lincoln Heights on the USC Health Sciences Campus adjacent to the LAC+USC Medical Center, the USC School of Pharmacy received the award for its pioneering work delivering first-rate disease management and low-cost pharmaceuticals to underserved populations receiving care in eight Los Angeles area safety net clinics. The clinics include the JWCH Medical Clinic at the Weingart Center located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row in the 34th District. The other clinics in East and South Los Angeles are: T.H.E. Clinic, Inc., 3834 Western Avenue (inside the Ruth Temple Health Center); South Central Family Health Center, 4425 S. Central Ave; and the five QueensCare Family Clinics (at 150 N. Reno St, Echo Park; 4618 Fountain, Hollywood; 4448 York Blvd, Eagle Rock;133 N. Sunol St., East LA; and 3242 W. 8th St.)

Below is the full text of Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard’s congressional record statement honoring the USC School of Pharmacy:

Congressional Record Statement Commending the University of Southern
California for Winning the Pinnacle Award
Lucille Roybal-Allard
June 7, 2007

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, located in my congressional district, on receiving the 2007 Pinnacle Award from the American Pharmacists Association Foundation. This national award celebrates innovators who have made significant contributions to improving the quality of medication delivery for patients and caregivers.

Los Angeles County is home to more than 2.7 million uninsured residents, many of whom rely on their local health care clinic for needed health services. USC’s Community Pharmacy Group earned this honor for their work serving patients in eight safety-net clinics in underserved neighborhoods in Los Angeles, including the JWCH Medical Clinic at the Weingart Center located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row.

Recognizing that community pharmacists are often the most accessible health care professionals for many underserved patients, USC has trained pharmacists along with residents and students to provide disease management services to high-risk patients, and has helped community clinics purchase lower-cost medication. USC pharmacists work directly with patients with chronic diseases requiring ongoing medication and lifestyle changes. By implementing pharmacist-based disease management services and education at these clinics, the USC Community Pharmacy Group has demonstrated significant improvements in health outcomes directly attributed to pharmacist interventions.

Prior to the start of the project, none of the eight clinics had a pharmacist available to provide pharmaceutical care to patients in the clinic. Pharmacists have reduced drug costs at the clinics by utilizing patient assistance programs and formulary products. The results were outstanding; patients with chronic conditions increased their use of appropriate medications and improved control of their illnesses.

Madam Speaker, I applaud USC for their commitment to improving health outcomes for low-income patients in Los Angeles. It is my hope that the recognition USC receives through the Pinnacle Award will prompt other communities to try similar successful interventions. Together, through these types of efforts, we can improve the quality of life for millions of underserved Americans in need of quality health care.”
 

-- ### --