Ohio Pharmacists Care about Domestic Violence Initiative

COLUMBUS, Ohio (August 3, 2020) –The Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) and the Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) have joined forces to create the Ohio Pharmacists Care about Domestic Violence Initiative. The effort invites pharmacies to become places where domestic violence survivors can seek support and get information about resources for domestic violence, mental health, and access to housing, food, medical care, and medications.

"Since the beginning of the pandemic, many people across the country have recognized how dangerous isolation and quarantine, restricted movement, and stay at home orders could be for victims of abuse," said Mary Doherty, Executive Director of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network.

"After reading media reports about creative ways that pharmacies were helping domestic violence victims, OPA reached out to ODVN to explore ways for better supporting domestic violence victims during these precarious times," Stuart Beatty, PharmD, OPA Director of Strategy and Practice Transformation and Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at The Ohio State University. "Pharmacists are uniquely positioned as accessible health care providers in communities across Ohio, making them a safe and trusted professional for citizens who may be experiencing domestic violence. Pharmacists know their patients and care for their patients, and OPA is excited to partner with ODVN on this important initiative."

According to the Columbus Dispatch, the pandemic-driven stay-at-home order has led to a 31% increase in domestic violence cases filed in the Franklin County Municipal Court alone. Pharmacists play a unique role in their communities to help address this problem simply because they are the most accessible healthcare provider.

The Ohio Pharmacists Care about Domestic Violence Initiative provides pharmacists with guidance on assisting a domestic violence victim seeking help. The initiative also developed a universal education flyer with contact information for resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline, The Ohio COVID Care Line, and the local 211 line, as well as tips on safety planning. Social media images and emails were created for pharmacies to raise awareness on the role pharmacists can play in increasing safety for domestic violence victims.

If you're a pharmacy interested in participating and learning more, please contact OPA's Myriam Shaw Ojeda at mshawojeda@ohiopharmacists.org. 

About the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN): ODVN provides a strong statewide voice for Ohio’s 75 domestic violence programs that serve all 88 counties. ODVN advocates on domestic violence-related issues at the state and federal level and runs a training academy for advocates and allies, a legal assistance and relocation program for survivors and a statewide prevention program.

About the Ohio Pharmacists Association: The Ohio Pharmacists Association works to unite the profession of pharmacy, and encourage interprofessional relations while promoting public health through education, discussion and legislation. The association proudly represents over 3,300 pharmacists, student pharmacists, and industry professionals advancing pharmacy practice and patient care in Ohio.

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