I recently learned there was a bill introduced in the Albany County Legislature to end the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies. Now here's an idea that's long overdue, so let me waste no time in proclaiming my full support.
The chain pharmacy I shop at near my house has a huge wall of tobacco products displayed right behind the register. As if that weren't contradiction enough, right next to that wall of death stands the in-store display of smoking cessation products. Talk about your mixed messages.
I consider my pharmacist an important part of my health care team. The fact that my neighborhood health care provider sells a product that will kill half of the people who use it is not only incongruous but unconscionable.
Tobacco products should no more be sold in pharmacies than in my family doctor's office.
Local governments have a responsibility to protect the public health and I'm proud that the Albany County Legislature has acted decisively on public health measures like menu labeling and the trans fats ban. I urge them to do the right thing now — to act quickly and decisively to end the sale of tobacco in pharmacies and to protect the public health.
Frances C. Shattuck
Guilderland