Medications

Medication Administration

As always, the safety and well-being of our campers is our top priority. As Glisson has grown in size and the percentage of campers who take daily medications keeps rising, administering camper medications has become increasingly complex over time. In response, we are introducing what is becoming an industry best practice – medication “blister packs” – as a way to streamline our process and help minimize the potential for medication errors. Thank you in advance for partnering with us in this way as we strive to provide the best possible care for campers.

Medications At Camp

• MUST CHECK IN:  Any and all prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitamins MUST be checked in with our Healthcare Team during drop-off. These items cannot be kept in luggage or with the camper. The only exceptions are epipens and rescue inhalers, which must be cleared by our Healthcare Team and checked in with the counselor at drop-off.
• WHAT CAMP SUPPLIES:  Our Healthcare Center is stocked with basic over-the-counter medications (see FAQ item below for list) that can be provided to campers as-needed.
• HOW TO PACK:  For Summer 2024, how to pack medications now depends on type and timing. See boxes below for instruction. Please note that we cannot accept or dispense medications that are not professionally labeled/packaged.

What Are Blister Packs?

Blister packaging refers to a process/product where a licensed pharmacist packages an individual’s daily medications into what’s known as a blister pack (aka “bubble card”, “pill card”, etc). A blister pack has multiple small, clear plastic bubbles for each instance that medications are to be taken (e.g. breakfast, dinner, etc) over a defined time period (e.g. one week, etc). Blister packs are backed with foil that secures the correct medications and doses within each plastic “bubble”, which is marked for the correct time of day to be dispensed and taken. As a visual reference, here’s a PDF with Sample Blister Packs.

Why Blister Packs?

Blister packs are becoming the industry standard, and help ensure compliance with state medication administration laws and medical protocols. We understand that the shift to blister packs adds another step to a parent’s pre-camp to-do list. Please know that adopting this system comes after much research and consulting with our healthcare team confirming that blister packs will significantly streamline camp’s medication administration process and, most importantly, minimize potential medication errors. We also anticipate campers will spend less time waiting in lines for medications, which means more time spent with their living group engaged in camp activities each day.

What needs to be blister packed?

All daily/scheduled prescription and over-the-counter oral medications/supplements that are in pill/chewable form must be packaged by a licensed pharmacist in blister packs that are professionally labeled with the camper’s name and medication names. Please do not send homemade pill packs.

How do I get blister packs?

Blister packs must be professionally packed and sealed by a licensed pharmacist.  Many local, independent (family-owned) pharmacies offer this service. Please plan ahead, as turn-around times vary. There are two options available for consideration (see below). If your pharmacy or another local pharmacy offers blister packing, that will likely be the preferred option. Alternatively, Glisson is partnering with Woody’s Pharmacy in Dahlonega, GA to provide blister-packing for your convenience. See boxes below for options and steps.

Can I make my own blister pack at home?

No. Blister packs MUST be packaged by a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacists ensure that your camper’s medication is labeled correctly so that our healthcare team can administer the right dose at the right time to the right camper. Any and all medications and supplements must either be blister packed by a licensed pharmacist or in their original containers (see boxes above for details). Per industry best practices and state laws/protocols, we cannot accept or dispense homemade packs of medications of any sort.

Will I still get to fill out a Medication Administration Form?

You betcha! As in previous years, campers with medications will need to complete a Medication Administration Form prior to arrival (PDF also included in pre-arrival emails).

How do campers receive medications while at camp?

Upon arrival, all medications are collected by a member of our healthcare team during check-in. During the week, our staff ensure that campers receive their medications at the correct time as noted on their Medication Administration Form. Village and Sparrowwood campers are escorted to visit our healthcare team at the Health Center. Outpost camper medications are stored in a secure location, then distributed by each camper’s counselor.

Additional FAQs & Contact Info

For more info about specific medical administration scenarios, click or tap the questions below. If after reading the info on this page you have any questions about medication administration prior to your camper’s session, contact us at: summer@glisson.org or (706) 864-6181