Ep 102: AJ Forster, IDD Pharmaceutical Services and Behavioral Health

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, host Dr. Craig Escudé interviews A.J. Forster, a professional with over a decade of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Forster shares his journey from working in finance to becoming passionate about serving the IDD population through direct support and leadership roles. Now at Tarrytown Pharmacy, he helps streamline medication services for IDD providers, aiming to relieve the burden on nurses and staff by coordinating refills, prior authorizations, and emergency prescription needs. He emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary teams, especially in managing psychotropic medications with regular reviews to avoid unnecessary treatments and reduce side effects. Forster also highlights the value of direct support professionals, advocating for better pay and recognition, and underscores the need for emergency preparedness across care systems. Throughout, the conversation spotlights collaboration, proactive care, and a mission-driven approach to improving the lives of people with IDD.