MEDIA ADVISORY: Hot Button Health Issues Discussed by More Than 700 Pharmacists and Pharmacy Stakeholders at Canadian Pharmacists Conference

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - June 21, 2016) -

What: More than 700 pharmacists from across the country will be gathering in Calgary this week to discuss some of the most hot button topics in Canadian health care. The Canadian Pharmacists Conference will highlight speakers who are innovative industry leaders and will tackle a diverse range of key health issues currently at the forefront of our country's health care system. The conference is being held in Calgary, Alberta, where Canadian pharmacists currently have the broadest scope of practice and where Canadian pharmacists began to advance pharmacy practices.

The use and misuse of opioids, medically assisted dying and immunization hesitancy are among the hard-hitting topics to be addressed at this month's Canadian Pharmacists Conference. More than 50 sessions will focus on health care and patient care issues, such as:

• Assisted Death and Dying - As the dispensers of drugs, and integral members of health care teams, it is clear that pharmacists will have a key role to play in assisted dying. Recently, the Alberta government unveiled its draft framework that will guide health care stakeholders with regulations and processes through physician-assisted dying.
  
  
• Medical Marijuana - Review existing medical marijuana pharmacology and the future role pharmacists will play in patient care with changing legislation of medical marijuana pharmacology in Canada.
  
  
• Opioid Addiction and Inappropriate Use - Discuss opioid use and addiction that continues to contribute to tragic deaths in our province and the role pharmacists play in assisting with appropriate opioid uses.
  
  

Who: Phil Emberley, Director, Professional Affairs, Canadian Pharmacists Association

Jimy Mathews, President, Alberta Pharmacists' Association

*Please note that session experts are also available to speak about:

• Opioid addiction and inappropriate use
• Medical marijuana: a moving target
• Aspirin for protection against cardiovascular disease: is it for everyone?
• The Canadian deprescribing network
• Pharmacy and pharmacist security
• Medical assistance in dying
• The role of pharmacists in immunization and strategies to increase Canadian coverage rate

When: June 24, 2016 - June 27, 2016

Where: The Hyatt Regency Hotel and the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
Calgary, Alberta

*Please note phone interviews are also available.