Understanding Florida Telecommunications Relay Services: A Guide to Accessibility for All

 Major pharmacy chains have closed hundreds of locations in the past year, making pharmacy services harder to find in some areas and, where such services are no longer available, creating pharmacy desserts. Without a nearby pharmacy, patients may have to travel further and navigate transportation challenges to obtain critical medications. Access to a convenient pharmacy is vital because adults are taking more prescription medications every year; up to 60% of U.S. adults reported they took at least one prescription drugs. Polypharmacy, where a patient is taking at least 5 medications, is a major risk factor for adverse health outcomes, especially for patients over the age of 65. Despite representing only 13% of the population, older patients consume approximately 30% of prescription medications and 40% of over-the-counter medications. Without access to a convenient pharmacy, patients may struggle to obtain life-saving medications, resulting in more cases of unmanaged chronic conditions, extended illness, and sometimes severe health complications. Even delayed access to medications can have serious health consequences, including higher medical costs and health complications. Often, when a service is no longer available, that is when we recognize how truly important they are.  Pharmacists do more than just dispense medications. They help patients find affordable therapies and provide preventive care services including vaccines and health screenings. Pharmacies also often offer medical supplies and over-the-counter drugs. As people take more medications, pharmacists are at the forefront of medication reconciliation, which includes reviewing all the medications a patient is taking to avoid errors such as omissions, duplications, dosing errors or drug interactions. Medication therapy management is also a vital service, offering patients education and consultation on their prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements. This helps patients better understand and manage their health. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) like Healthcare Network in Collier County provide additional benefits through their integrated pharmacy services.  Healthcare Network has two on-site pharmacies: Nichols Community Health Center in Golden Gate and Marion E. Fether in Immokalee. These locations allow patients to see a provider and fill their prescriptions in the same site. If a prescription is too costly or not covered by insurance, the provider can prescribe an alternative immediately, and refills can be expedited with providers nearby. For those with complicated medical regimens or multiple medications, pharmacists can organize pills in blister packs to help a patient track what to take and when. Healthcare Networks pharmacies provide mail-order and prescription delivery services, with support available for patients who speak languages other than English. Our multilingual pharmacy staff and language interpretation services ensure clear communication, allowing us to stay closely connected with patients, offering guidance, education, and encouragement as part of their care team.  Rising medication costs are another significant issue. According to the American Hospital Association, drug prices for nearly 2,000 medications rose between 2022 and 2023 at a rate exceeding inflation, with an average increase of 15.2%. These high costs are particularly burdensome for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured individuals, with estimates indicating that as many as 44% of patients forgo filling prescriptions due to financial constraints. As an FQHC, Healthcare Network can offer some medications at a reduced price through the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to sell medications at a lower price to FQHCs. In addition, our pharmacies accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, and can help patients apply for available discounts from pharmacy assistance programs.  Providing pharmacy services in areas of Collier County that already lack primary care doctors is one of the many ways that Healthcare Network is increasing access to essential medical care for the community. About the AuthorDr. Martine Woolley leads pharmacy operations at Healthcare Network, including the Federal 340B discount program, to ensure accessible, high-quality care for patients and families. Her expertise in pharmacy management and commitment to compliance drive excellence and innovation across all services. For more information about Healthcare Networks pharmacy services, visit HealthcareSWFL.org.  By Martine Woolley, PharmD, MS, MBA,  Vice President of Pharmacy      

Why Brain Health Is EssentialBrain health impacts every aspect of our lives. A healthy brain ensures: Sharp Cognitive Function: Supporting learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Resilient Memory: Helping us retain and recall important information. Emotional Stability: Allowing us to navigate challenges and maintain mental well-being. Physical Coordination: Facilitating essential tasks like walking, speaking, and balance. Neglecting brain health can lead to difficulties in daily life, including forgetfulness, confusion, or susceptibility to neurological disorders such as Alzheimers or dementia. Lifestyle Habits to Promote Brain Health Physical Activity Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and essential nutrients. Regular activities like walking, cycling, or yoga can improve memory and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Brain-Boosting Nutrition A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients is critical for brain health: Fatty Fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain cell health. Colorful Fruits and Vegetables: Packed with antioxidants that combat oxidative stress. Whole Grains: Provide steady energy for optimal brain performance. Nuts and Seeds: Offer healthy fats and vitamin E to support cognitive function. Cognitive Stimulation Keep your brain active with activities that challenge its capacity, such as: Learning a new language or skill. Solving puzzles, crosswords, or playing chess. Engaging in creative hobbies like painting or music. Quality Sleep Sleep is vital for memory consolidation and mental clarity. Aim for 79 hours of sleep each night, and maintain a regular sleep schedule to support overall brain health. Stress Management Chronic stress negatively affects the brain, shrinking areas responsible for memory and decision-making. Stress-reducing practices like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can help maintain mental balance. Social Connections Strong social ties contribute to emotional well-being and cognitive longevity. Spend time with family, join clubs or groups, and maintain regular interactions with friends to stay mentally and socially engaged. Avoid Harmful Substances Limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco products can protect the brain from long-term damage and cognitive decline. Preventing Cognitive DeclineWhile aging is inevitable, cognitive decline is not. Steps to reduce its risk include: Monitoring Health: Manage conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, as they can impact brain function. Mental Health Care: Address issues like anxiety or depression, which may impair cognition if left untreated. Regular Check-Ups: Work with healthcare providers to screen for early signs of neurological disorders. The Lifelong Benefits of LearningContinuing to learn throughout life keeps the brain adaptable and engaged. Whether its pursuing a hobby, attending workshops, or taking online courses, lifelong learning fosters new neural connections and helps preserve cognitive health.  

1. Memory Care Assisted Living CommunitiesMemory care is a specialized form of assisted living that focuses on residents with memory-related challenges. These communities offer: Secured Environments: Prevent wandering and ensure safety. Trained Staff: Professionals experienced in dementia care. Structured Activities: Programs designed to promote cognitive function and social engagement. Memory care facilities are ideal for individuals who need daily assistance and a structured routine. 2. Skilled Nursing Facilities with Memory CareFor individuals requiring medical supervision in addition to memory care, skilled nursing facilities often provide: 24/7 Medical Assistance: Nurses and doctors available to manage complex health conditions. Specialized Therapies: Physical, occupational, and speech therapies tailored to residents with memory loss. Comprehensive Care Plans: Addressing both cognitive and physical health needs. These facilities cater to residents with advanced dementia or coexisting medical conditions. 4. Adult Day Care CentersAdult day care centers offering memory care services provide daytime support for individuals while allowing them to return home in the evening. Key benefits include: Respite for Family Caregivers: Time for caregivers to rest or focus on other responsibilities. Engaging Activities: Socialization opportunities, games, and exercises tailored to memory care needs. Professional Oversight: Ensuring safety and well-being during the day. This option is ideal for families who want to balance professional care with at-home living. 5. In-Home Memory Support ServiceFor those who prefer to remain in their own homes, memory support can be brought directly to the individual. In-home services may include: Caregiver Assistance: Help with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. Cognitive Engagement: Memory exercises and stimulating activities provided by trained professionals. Safety Modifications: Recommendations for making the home safer for individuals with dementia. In-home support allows for familiar surroundings while ensuring proper care. 6. Community and Nonprofit OrganizationsMany local organizations and nonprofits offer memory support programs, including: Support Groups: Providing emotional and practical guidance for families and caregivers. Educational Workshops: Teaching coping strategies and care techniques. Day Programs: Offering structured activities for individuals with memory challenges. These services are often more affordable and widely accessible.