Husson University Sponsors the 3rd Annual Interprofessional Pharmacy Robbery Prevention Seminar
Published on: November 17, 2014
Date of Release: November 17, 2014
BANGOR, MAINE - – Pharmacy robberies are a significant issue for U.S. law enforcement and professional pharmacists. According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), 214 independent retail pharmacies reported armed robberies in 2012. In addition, chain pharmacies reported 517 armed robberies.
Recognizing the need for training, Husson University’s School of Pharmacy and School of Legal Studies joined together to offer the 3rd Annual Interprofessional Pharmacy Robbery Prevention Seminar. The third and final installment of this seminar series will take place on November 17.
“We want to help ensure the safety of our graduates. This seminar provides future pharmacists with the knowledge they need to protect themselves, protect their businesses and aid law enforcement,” said Katie Rossignol, operations manager for pharmacy experiential education at Husson University.
The seminar on November 17 represents the capstone presentation in a series of three seminars devoted to pharmacy robberies.
The first presentation took place on November 3 and featured presentations by Dr. John Michaud, director of the School of Legal Studies and Dr. Marie Hansen, dean of Husson University’s College of Business. They discussed the legal aspects of pharmacy robbery crimes. This included in-depth examinations of the different types of criminal charges, witness statements and the importance of preserving evidence.
On Monday, November 10, Husson University graduate, Sergeant John O'Malley of the Scarborough, Maine Police Department spoke to the group about robbery prevention and safety.
This upcoming Monday will feature a presentation by professionals from Husson’s Counseling Center on victim support and mental health counseling services. They will help participants better understand the traumatic nature of robberies and the kind of services available to anyone who has been the victim of a robbery or a physical assault.
“The combination of experts from our criminal justice and pharmacy program who are participating in these educational presentations are helping our students better understand both the challenges and rewards of working in a retail environment. By working together, we are helping to ensure that our graduates will be fully prepared for their roles and responsibilities as professional pharmacists,” says Dr. Rodney A. Larson, founding dean of the Husson University School of Pharmacy.
This robbery prevention seminar is one more reason why Husson University’s School of Pharmacy continues to attract students from all over the country, including many from Maine and the New England region. Graduates earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. The Pharm.D. is the professional degree that is a prerequisite for licensing in order to become a practicing pharmacist.
Pharmacy practice is currently the third largest health profession in the United States. The national and regional demand for pharmacists remains strong. According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of pharmacists nationally is projected to grow 14 percent between 2012 and 2022. Increased demand for prescription medications will lead to more demand for pharmaceutical services. With one of the poorest pharmacist per capita aggregate demand indices in the country, the Maine Department of Labor projects a significant increase in pharmacy related careers in the state.
For more than 100 years, Husson University has prepared future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent superior value in higher education. Our Bangor campus and off-campus satellite education centers in Southern Maine, Wells and Northern Maine provide advanced knowledge in business; health and education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication. In addition, Husson University has a robust adult learning program. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu.
“Pharmacy Theft and Robbery: Awareness and Prevention,” U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), page 3, http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/mtgs/pharm_awareness/conf_2013/march_2013/browning.pdf
“Pharmacy Theft and Robbery: Awareness and Prevention,” U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), page 4, http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/mtgs/pharm_awareness/conf_2013/march_2013/browning.pdf