HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 21

(By Delegate McCuskey)

Recognizing the importance of self-care and over-the-counter medicines in the improvement of West Virginians' overall health and in the preservation and appropriate use of the state's healthcare resources.

            Whereas, Self-care is a lifelong daily habit of healthy lifestyle choices, good hygiene practices, prevention of infection and illnesses, avoiding unhealthy choices, monitoring for signs and symptoms of changes in health, knowing when to consult a healthcare practitioner and knowing when it is appropriate to self-treat conditions; and

            Whereas, The United States Food and Drug Administration deems over-the-counter (OTC) medicines safe and effective for the self-care treatment of minor acute and chronic health conditions and symptoms such as pain, the common cold, allergies and other conditions that impact large segments of the population; and

            Whereas, OTC medicines are either developed as new nonprescription medicines or switched from existing prescription medicines; and

            Whereas, OTC nonprescription medicines are self-care products that consumers purchase in pharmacies, supermarkets, retail stores and online; and

            Whereas, Every dollar spent on over-the-counter medicines saves the United States healthcare system $6 to $7 each year totaling $102 billion in annual savings; and

            Whereas, Nonprescription medicines help to ease the burden on healthcare practitioners, eliminating unnecessary medical examinations that could be avoided with appropriate self-care; and

            Whereas, West Virginia benefits when its citizens practice appropriate self-care; do not unnecessarily visit healthcare practitioners and are empowered by higher self-esteem, improved health, and reduced use of health care services; and

            Whereas, West Virginia encourages its citizens to take advantage of self-care's potential to improve personal and public health, save personal and public treasury and strengthen the sustainability of West Virginia's health care system; and

            Whereas, Achieving self-care's potential is a shared opportunity for consumers, healthcare practitioners, policymakers and regulators; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Delegates:

            That the House of Delegates:

            (1) Recognizes the importance of improving awareness of self-care and the value it represents to the citizens of West Virginia;

            (2) Supports increased consumer empowerment through the development of new nonprescription medicines and the appropriate switch of certain prescription medicines to nonprescription medicines;

            (3) Acknowledges that OTC medications can greatly improve and reduce costs to the public health system;

            (4) Encourages consumers, healthcare practitioners, policymakers and regulators to communicate the benefits of self-care.