A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)
Society has returned from the stay-at-home days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but a number of rules and practices introduced during that era have merit in a reopened world. Telepharmacy is one of those measures, which is the use of technology to assist communities that have lost their local pharmacies over the years, whether by the pandemic itself or standard business closure. Telehealth was a focus of the pandemic, particularly for our state’s seniors and our rural communities, and the continued expansion of this consumer-friendly program is a worthwhile effort for New York. I support a proposal from my legislative colleagues that seeks to establish a permanent telepharmacy project throughout New York state. And while there is a specific focus on ensuring rural New Yorkers state stay connected to their closest pharmacies, all health care customers can benefit from expanded access and connectivity to their pharmacists and medications. Not only would having a more direct digital relationship bolster opportunity for digital check-ins and reviews, but having the opportunity to give it to New Yorkers who are more remote is a worthy goal.
If the job of government is to provide services that enrich and support taxpayers, I see no reason why state government shouldn’t consider this measure in the future. It’s a simple program that will exponentially improve the quality of life and care for thousands of patients, and I’m proud to support it. Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Goshen, Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website at www.yourfavoriteassemblyman.com
