Vancouver's Downtown Eastside pharmacist named Canadian Pharmacist of the Year
Craig Plain goes to his patients whether they're in alleys, shelters or single room occupancy hotels
A Vancouver pharmacist who makes house calls to patients wherever they may be has been named Canadian Pharmacist of the Year by the Canadian Pharmacists Association.
Craig Plain is the pharmacy manager at the Pier Health Resource Centre at Main and Powell Street on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside — one of Canada's poorest neighbourhoods.
Plain says the clinic — which sees around 150 patients daily — operates in a unique way.
"We kind of opened up with just a different idea in mind where we put the pharmacist on a little more of a face-to-face seating position to open the conversation a bit more," he said.
He says a lot of his patients cannot consistently get out to the pharmacy to get their medication, because they are bedridden or are otherwise vulnerable.
Instead, Plain takes the medication to his patients whether they are in a single room occupancy unit, a homeless shelter, parks or even in an alley.
"You just have to be open-minded, compassionate and caring about patients," he said.
"You have to be determined to kind of get out there and know that you're making a difference. If you're increasing their compliance, you know that they're healthier."
Frontlines of the opioid crisis
The Downtown Eastside has been at the centre of B.C.'s opioid crisis. The B.C. Coroner's Service recently revealed that 136 people died of a drug overdose in April of this year alone.
"Certainly being in this area, there's a focus on addictions medications and anti-psychotic medications," Plain said.
Pier Health was one of the first pharmacies in B.C. to distribute free naloxone kits and training, and Plain and his team have successfully administered emergency injections.
His patients are proud he's being recognized.
"He's a very nice, kind-hearted man," said Irene Mountain.
"He makes a lot of difference. He speaks to a lot of people. He's a father figure, counsellor and helper."
The Canadian Pharmacists Association awards the Canadian Pharmacist of the Year title to a pharmacist who has demonstrated leadership in the profession.
Listen here to the interview with Craig Plain:
With files from Margaret Gallagher