2021 NJPN Conference Program Book

Influencers & Followers: Creating a Culture O f OTC Medicine Safety and Connecting Communities with Resources

LIZ PANDYA Director Scientific Education & Patient Advocacy (SEPA)

DOUGLAS RICE Senior Manager & Sales Operator CADCA

Common over-the-counter (OTC) medications remain a source for potential misuse that is underestimated by youths, parents, and older adults alike, and is often poorly understood by community partners. Recent research suggests youths and older adults have a low perception

of harm for OTC medications, highlighting the need for increased awareness on medicine safety and the potential harm of misuse. Increased time at home over the past year has led to self-managed healthcare and has made the coalition’s role in OTCMedicine Safety education of primary importance. The OTCMedicine Safety Program has been proven to deliver high retention of learning objectives, which can help serve as a foundation for youths and other populations making healthy decisions related to medication. Coalitions can take simple, evidence-based actions to significantly impact individuals’ health behaviors in their communities. Join us to gain background on some startling OTC misuse trends and learn how to help the most vulnerable members of

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