WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) remembers the late Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI). Sen. Inouye passed away earlier this week after over 50 years serving in the United States Congress.
"On behalf of the Society, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sen. Inouye," said Dr. Vera Jackson, executive director and chief executive officer at the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. "He was a hero for the nation and a steadfast advocate for pharmacists," added Jackson.
Sen. Inouye recently introduced the Pharmacist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2011 (S. 48), a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to make pharmacists eligible for educational loan repayment through the National Health Service Corps in exchange for service in a health professional shortage area. S. 48 boasts 13 cosponsors, including Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Sen. John Kerry (D-MA). The bill is currently held in the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
"ASCP applauds the work of Sen. Inouye on behalf of pharmacists and will honor his memory by continuing to advocate for legislation he championed, like the Pharmacist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act," said Jackson.
At his passing, Sen. Inouye held the distinguished position of Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, and served as the Ranking Democrat for the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and a member of the Committee on Rules and Administration, to name a few. The late Senator was also highly regarded by his Senatorial colleagues as a leader with the ability to work across party lines.
The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists is the only international professional society devoted to optimal medication management and improved health outcomes for all older persons. ASCP's 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, sub-acute care and assisted living facilities, psychiatric hospitals, hospice programs, and home and community-based care.
The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=12716