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Pharmacists featured in public service announcement campaign MUSC pharmacists are featured in a new television public service announce-ment sponsored by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) that highlights how pharmacists in hospitals and health systems help patients use their medications safely and effectively.   The campaign urges patients in hospitals and health systems to speak with the pharmacist when they have questions about their medications. The announcements, which are being aired on radio, TV and appear in print publications, also emphasize the critical role pharmacists play in patient care, including advising physicians about appropriate medications; helping patients manage chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes; and helping protect patients from hazardous drug interactions and medication errors.   “Many consumers are unaware that pharmacists play such an important role on the healthcare team in hospitals,” said Paul Bush, director of Pharmacy. “We were excited to participate in an effort that will educate members of our community that they can have access to the expertise of pharmacists during their hospital stays.”   The pharmacists are members of the society, a national professional association representing pharmacists who practice in hospitals and health systems. The announcements show them interacting with patients and other health professionals to help consumers understand the one-of-a-kind role pharmacists in hospitals and health systems have in advancing safe medication use by patients.   The television announcements are part of a public service campaign that also includes announcements for radio and print media. So far, the announcements have reached more than 100 million people in the United States after they were distributed to magazines, newspapers, satellite networks and broadcast stations this summer. The TV announcements are offered in English and Spanish.   The components of the campaign can be viewed and heard on ASHP’s Web site at http://media.ashp.org/pr/video/5_31_ashp_english.wmv; via radio at: http://media.ashp.org/pr/audio/ASHP_0631.mp3; or viewed in print http://www.ashp.org/s_ashp/docs/files/PR_PSAHS.pdf.     Friday, Sept. 14, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.