<p>Breaking the Cycle: How Pharmacists Can Lead the Fight Against Scotland's Drug Death Crisis</p> <p><br /><strong>Guest:</strong> Professor Catriona Matheson</p> <p><strong>Episode Summary:</strong><br />In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with <strong>Professor Catriona Matheson</strong>, 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.</p> <p>We discuss:</p> <ul> <li>Professor Matheson’s career journey, from her early days in community pharmacy to becoming a leading voice in harm reduction.</li> <li>How pharmacies can act as accessible, trusted hubs for at-risk individuals.</li> <li>The evolution of harm reduction strategies and the vital role of naloxone in preventing overdoses.</li> <li>Insights from drug-related death reviews in Aberdeen and how they inform better practices.</li> <li>The Scottish Pharmacy Alliance’s mission to innovate and collaborate across the profession.</li> <li>Practical ways pharmacists can reduce stigma and create a welcoming environment for vulnerable populations.</li> </ul> <p><br /></p> <p>This episode is packed with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and a vision for the future of pharmacy in tackling substance misuse.</p> <p><br /></p> <p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p> <ol> <li><strong>Pharmacies are frontline responders:</strong> 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.</li> <li><strong>Early intervention saves lives:</strong> Pharmacists are often the first to notice signs of distress, providing critical opportunities for early support.</li> <li><strong>Stigma is a barrier:</strong> Addressing stigma through training, empathy, and trauma-informed care is essential to building trust with vulnerable populations.</li> <li><strong>Collaboration drives innovation:</strong> The Scottish Pharmacy Alliance is pioneering new approaches, such as embedding pharmacists in outreach teams to serve the homeless and other vulnerable groups.</li> <p><br /></p> </ol> <p><strong>Resources Mentioned in the Episode:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Learn more about the <strong>Scottish Pharmacy Alliance</strong>.</li> <li>Information on <strong>take-home naloxone kits</strong> and their distribution in Scotland.</li> <li>Training resources for pharmacists on harm reduction and trauma-informed care.</li> </ul> <p><br /></p> <p><strong>Upcoming Event:</strong></p> <p><br />📅 Don’t miss the <strong>Pharmacy in Practice Conference</strong> on <strong>12th March 2025</strong> at <strong>The Novotel Edinburgh Park</strong>! Join us for a day of impactful sessions, networking opportunities, and actionable insights to shape the future of pharmacy.</p> <p><br /></p> <p><strong>Register at www.pharmacyinpractice.uk </strong></p> <p><br /></p> <p>If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your colleagues. Let’s keep the conversation going about how pharmacy can transform lives and communities.</p> <p> </p>