About Us

Vision

DIRC's vision is to improve the health and quality of life of Canadians by turning drug-related knowledge into practice.

Mission

Through the provision of written and verbal drug information, the delivery of professional educational programs, and contribution to pharmacy practice research, DIRC:

• promotes rational, effective drug therapy and patient wellness;
• empowers patients and health care providers with accurate, timely health information; and
• supports the key role of pharmacists in the health care system.

History

DIRC has been a part of the Ontario Pharmacists' Association (OPA) since 1997.  Before then, the drug information service was operated by the Ontario College of Pharmacists.

From its core strength in knowledge transfer and translation, DIRC has expanded into several areas including drug information to pharmacists, drug information to the public, outsourced drug information for pharmaceutical companies, written drug information, consultant services, teaching and education.

Now the premier pharmacist-operated organization of its kind in Canada, DIRC is playing a greater national role in improving medication use, though its core focus remains service to Ontario pharmacists.