Nancy McBean is a member of the Pharmacists Association of Saskatchewan and an active Regina pharmacist and facilitator for the Association’s program the “Partnership to Assist with Cessation of Tobacco (PACT)”. The Pharmacists Association of Saskatchewan have undertaken the coordination of two innovative tobacco cessation programs programs: PACT (Partnership to Assist with Cessation of Tobacco) and its subsidiary program TAR (Tobacco Addiction Recovery). Launched during 2009’s national non-smoking week in January, 2009, the thought was that as smokers found fewer and fewer places in the community to acceptably use tobacco, they would turn to cessation support services to assist them in quitting. According to the association, even brief counseling and support can double a person’s chance of successfully breaking the habit. PACT pharmacists are specially trained to provide tobacco cessation counseling. One of the association’s additional programs, TAR (Tobacco Addiction Recovery), is focused on sacred aboriginal tobacco use. The goal of the program is to release people from their addiction to tobacco, but still preserve tobacco for ceremonial use. TAR was an inspiration of Janice Burgess, the PACT / TAR Program Coordinator for the Pharmacists' Association. Key to the TAR program is the Journey of the White Ribbon. Participants use a white ribbon as a reminder of the contrast between the sacred use of tobacco for ceremonial and medicinal reasons and the use of non-traditional tobacco addiction. As of March 31, 2011, PACT pharmacists have provided approximately 1,600 brief interventions, over 500 intensive interventions, and approximately 700 follow-ups. And, the program has evolved from pharmacist-provided to a cessation program that any health care professional can provide in any setting. By undertaking the coordination, training and delivery of the two innovative tobacco cessation programs - PACT and TAR - the Pharmacists Association of Saskatchewan is certain to better the health of our residents. Please join us in congratulating the Pharmacists Association of Saskatchewan upon their receipt of the 2001 Healthy Choice Healthy Lifestyle Award.

mr pharmacist by the fall: Mr pharmacist Can you help me out today In your usual lovely way Oh mr pharmacist I insist That you give me some of that vitamin c Mr pharmacist Dear pharmacist won’t you please Give me some energy Mr pharmacist Hey mr pharmacist I’ll recommend you to my friends They’ll be happy in the end Mr pharmacist can you help Send me on a ’delic kick Mr pharmacist Dear pharmacist use your mind You better stock me up for the wintertime Mr pharmacist Hey mr pharmacist Words cannot express Feeling I suggest Oh mr pharmacist I can plead Gimme some of that powder I need Mr pharmacist Dear pharmacist I’ll be back With a handful of empty sack Mr pharmacist