$2 Million Contract Awarded to the Pharmacists CARE Initiative to Expand Medication Abortion Services in California

Birth Control Pharmacist, in partnership with the California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) and the CPhA Foundation, is proud to announce the receipt of a transformative $2 million grant from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information. Over the next five years, this grant will facilitate the development of the “Pharmacists Comprehensive Abortion and Reproductive Health Empowerment (Pharmacists CARE) Initiative,” aimed at significantly increasing access to medication abortion and reproductive health services in pharmacies across California.

Key Features of the Program:

Access Expansion: The initiative will extend medication abortion services to medically underserved communities by providing training and implementation support for pharmacists. This will enable pharmacies to provide a fuller range of reproductive health services at their practice site locations including directly providing services allowed by state policy and the pharmacists’ scope of practice, creating greater access to comprehensive reproductive health options. 

Safe and Professional Services: All training adheres to the highest medical and ethical standards to guarantee patients receive quality care and information. 

Mini Grants to Pharmacies: The program includes mini grants administered by the CPhA Foundation to support pharmacies in implementing abortion services. 

The Pharmacists CARE Initiative was created through Assembly Bill 1918 (Petrie-Norris) and subsequently funded through Governor Newsom’s 2022 budget. AB 1918 was based on recommendations developed by the California Future of Abortion Council to respond to drastic changes in the abortion access landscape. 

Statement from Dr. Sally Rafie, Founder of Birth Control Pharmacist: 

“California is leading the way by recognizing pharmacists and pharmacies as an essential access point for reproductive health services and products. The Pharmacists CARE Initiative represents a milestone in our mission to provide access to quality and convenient reproductive healthcare, empowering pharmacists to make a difference in the lives of people in the communities they serve. We are excited to work collaboratively with the California Pharmacists Association and the CPhA Foundation to make this vision a reality.” 

Statement from Susan Bonilla, CEO of the California Pharmacists Association: 

“The California Pharmacists Association is pleased to be part of this groundbreaking initiative. This grant will empower pharmacists with the skills and resources they need to expand and ensure access to essential reproductive health services for all Californians. We believe this initiative will have a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those who need these services.” 

Statement from Dr. Rajan Vaidya, Executive Director of the CPhA Foundation: 

“At the CPhA Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance public health and well-being. This grant from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information is a significant step in ensuring that pharmacists are equipped to provide vital reproductive health services, ultimately improving access to healthcare for people throughout California.” 

More information about the Pharmacists CARE Initiative and its mission to expand medication abortion services and comprehensive reproductive health care in pharmacies across California can be found at https://birthcontrolpharmacist.com/care/. For more information on the Pharmacists CARE Initiative or to arrange interviews with project leaders, please contact mail@birthcontrolpharmacist.com. 

About Birth Control Pharmacist
Birth Control Pharmacist provides education and training, implementation assistance, resources, and clinical updates to pharmacists prescribing contraception and key stakeholders, as well as leading and stimulating advocacy, research, and policy efforts to expand the role and realize the potential of pharmacists in reproductive health and justice. They also maintain the Birth Control Pharmacies directory for people across the country to find a participating pharmacy where they can access contraception directly from a pharmacist. 

About the California Pharmacists Association (CPhA)
The California Pharmacists Association is a leading advocate for the pharmacy profession in California representing all areas of pharmacy practice. They are dedicated to promoting the health of Californians through pharmacy practice. 

About the CPhA Foundation
The CPhA Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to improving healthcare through innovation, research, and educational programs, with a particular focus on the role of pharmacists in patient care.