Breaking the Cycle: How Pharmacists Can Lead the Fight Against Scotland's Drug Death Crisis

Guest: Professor Catriona Matheson

Episode Summary:
In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Professor Catriona Matheson, an accomplished pharmacist, researcher, and advocate for harm reduction in tackling Scotland’s drug-related death crisis. With one of the highest drug-related mortality rates in Europe, Scotland faces a pressing challenge. Professor Matheson shares her insights, highlighting the crucial role pharmacists and pharmacy teams play in reducing harm, saving lives, and addressing stigma in the community.

We discuss:

• Professor Matheson’s career journey, from her early days in community pharmacy to becoming a leading voice in harm reduction.
• How pharmacies can act as accessible, trusted hubs for at-risk individuals.
• The evolution of harm reduction strategies and the vital role of naloxone in preventing overdoses.
• Insights from drug-related death reviews in Aberdeen and how they inform better practices.
• The Scottish Pharmacy Alliance’s mission to innovate and collaborate across the profession.
• Practical ways pharmacists can reduce stigma and create a welcoming environment for vulnerable populations.

This episode is packed with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and a vision for the future of pharmacy in tackling substance misuse.

Key Takeaways:

1. Pharmacies are frontline responders: With accessibility and trust at the heart of their role, pharmacies are uniquely positioned to offer life-saving services like naloxone distribution and harm reduction advice.
2. Early intervention saves lives: Pharmacists are often the first to notice signs of distress, providing critical opportunities for early support.
3. Stigma is a barrier: Addressing stigma through training, empathy, and trauma-informed care is essential to building trust with vulnerable populations.
4. Collaboration drives innovation: The Scottish Pharmacy Alliance is pioneering new approaches, such as embedding pharmacists in outreach teams to serve the homeless and other vulnerable groups.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Learn more about the Scottish Pharmacy Alliance.
• Information on take-home naloxone kits and their distribution in Scotland.
• Training resources for pharmacists on harm reduction and trauma-informed care.

Upcoming Event:

📅 Don’t miss the Pharmacy in Practice Conference on 12th March 2025 at The Novotel Edinburgh Park! Join us for a day of impactful sessions, networking opportunities, and actionable insights to shape the future of pharmacy.

Register at www.pharmacyinpractice.uk

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