Announcing the Pharmacists CARE Initiative to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Services in California – Birth Control Pharmacist
$2 Million Contract Awarded to Pharmacists CARE Initiative to Expand Medication Abortion Services in California
Birth Control Pharmacist, in partnership with the California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) and the CPhA Foundation, is proud to announce the receipt of a transformative $2 million grant from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information. Over the next five years, this grant will facilitate the development of the “Pharmacists Comprehensive Abortion and Reproductive Health Empowerment (Pharmacists CARE) Initiative,” which aims to significantly increase access to medication abortion and reproductive health services in pharmacies throughout California.
Key Features of the Program:
Expanding Access: The initiative will extend medication abortion services to medically underserved communities by providing training and implementation support for pharmacists. This will allow pharmacies to provide a fuller range of reproductive health services at their practice locations including direct provision of services allowed by state policy and pharmacists’ scope of practice, which creating greater access to comprehensive reproductive health options.
Safe and Professional Service: All practices adhere to the highest medical and ethical standards to guarantee patients receive quality care and information.
Mini Grants to Pharmacies: The program includes mini grants administered by the CPhA Foundation to support pharmacies in implementing abortion services.
The Pharmacists CARE Initiative was created by Assembly Bill 1918 (Petrie-Norris) and then funded through Governor Newsom’s 2022 budget. AB 1918 is based on recommendations developed by California Future of Abortion Council to respond to drastic changes in the abortion access landscape.
Statement from Dr. Sally Rafie, Founder of Birth Control Pharmacist:
“California is leading the way by recognizing pharmacists and pharmacies as important access points for reproductive health services and products. The Pharmacists CARE Initiative represents a milestone in our mission to provide access to quality and convenient reproductive healthcare, empowering pharmacists to make a difference in the lives of people in the communities they serve. We are excited to work with the California Pharmacists Association and the CPhA Foundation to make this vision a reality.”
Statement from Susan Bonilla, CEO of the California Pharmacists Association:
“The California Pharmacists Association is pleased to be a part of this groundbreaking initiative. This grant will empower pharmacists with the skills and resources they need to expand and ensure access to essential reproductive health services for all Californians. We believe this initiative will have a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those who need these services.”
Statement from Dr. Rajan Vaidya, Executive Director of CPhA Foundation:
“At the CPhA Foundation, we are committed to supporting initiatives that improve the health and well-being of the public. This grant from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information is a significant step in ensuring that pharmacists are equipped to provide essential reproductive health services, ultimately improving access to health care for people across California.
More information about the Pharmacists CARE Initiative and its mission to expand medication abortion services and comprehensive reproductive health care in pharmacies across California can be found at https://birthcontrolpharmacist.com/care/. For more information on the Pharmacists CARE Initiative or to arrange interviews with project leaders, please contact mail@birthcontrolpharmacist.com.
About the Birth Control Pharmacist
Birth Control Pharmacist provides education and training, implementation assistance, resources, and clinical updates to contraceptive prescribing pharmacists and key stakeholders, as well as leading and stimulating advocacy, research, and policy efforts to expand role and realize the potential of pharmaceuticals in reproductive health and justice. They also maintain the Birth Control Pharmacies directory for people nationwide to find a participating pharmacy where they can access contraception directly from a pharmacist.
About the California Pharmacists Association (CPhA)
The California Pharmacists Association is a leading advocate for the pharmacy profession in California representing all areas of pharmacy practice. They are committed to promoting the health of Californians through pharmacy practice.
About the CPhA Foundation
The CPhA Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care through innovation, research, and educational programs, with a particular focus on the role of pharmacists in patient care.
