Pharmacy Guild helps Canterbury pharmacies to spread public health messages

MEDIA RELEASE

4 April 2011

Guild helps Canterbury pharmacies to spread public health messages

The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (the Guild) has paid for all community pharmacies in Canterbury to receive branded pharmacy paper bags promoting key health messages. Each pharmacy received 1,000 bags.

The Guild worked with the Canterbury DHB to develop the public health message on the bags. The bags contain information for patients on managing their health through the earthquake emergency and recovery period.

Health messages on the bags include a reminder to wash hands thoroughly, limit contact with people when sick and to contact your health care professional for advice.

“Paper bags have proven to be a popular and cost effective way to communicate key messages to the public,” says Annabel Young, Chief Executive of the Guild. “The CDHB approached us to provide this initiative to the public as the Guild has the capacity and established relationships within the sector to coordinate health promotion campaigns.”

Other paper bags developed by the Guild include raising awareness about influenza and arthritis, and promoting the Smokefree campaign. The Canterbury paper bags are produced from recycled paper.

ENDS

Media Contact: Annabel Young - 027 440 9160 or 04 802 8201
Ian Johnson – 021 621 592

For additional information: Julia Paterson-Fourie – 04 802 8211

Notes:
• The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (Inc) is a national membership organisation representing community pharmacy owners. We provide leadership on all issues affecting the sector and we advocate for the business interests of community pharmacy.
• For additional information on the Guild and community pharmacy please go to www.pgnz.org.nz