Base hospital celebrates American Pharmacists Month Published Oct. 22, 2007 By Senior Airman Megan P. Lyon 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- October may be a month better known for it's tricks and treats, but the month also celebrates the work of American pharmacists. The purpose of the American Pharmacist's Month is to raise awareness about how pharmacists affect patient care. The 2007 theme is "Know Your Medicine - Know Your Pharmacist." "Excellent customer service and quality patient education are my two goals for every patient who enters our pharmacy," said Capt. Rebekah Mooney, 366th Medical Support Squadron pharmacist. "All patients should know about the medication they take. They should know what the drug is being used for, any common side effects and if there are any possible drug or food interactions." The month also showcases what pharmacists and pharmacy technicians do to improve medication use and patient care and emphasizes the importance of medication counseling for prescription medications, over the counter medications and herbal supplements. To help pharmacy customers understand more about their medication, the hospital pharmacy issued a new medication counseling checklist. The checklist, found at the pharmacy check-in window, can be completed as patients wait for their prescription to be filled. Patients can check off what they want to know about medications and will be counseled by a pharmacist or qualified technician when the prescription is picked up. "As a pharmacist, it's my responsibility to be there to provide medication counseling to patients. It's also one of my favorite parts of being a pharmacist, providing the medication education and having patients leave the pharmacy with a smile on their face," said Captain Mooney. For more information concerning the pharmacy or prescriptions, call 828-7480.