The Public Health Agency (PHA) has initiated the ‘Know Your Units’ campaign across community pharmacies in Northern Ireland, aiming to raise awareness about alcohol consumption and its associated health risks. Running throughout June and July 2025, this campaign is part of the PHA’s Living Well service, which provides health promotion initiatives through local pharmacies.
The campaign focuses on educating the public about the UK Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines, which recommend not exceeding 14 units of alcohol per week to minimize health risks. Stephanie Hanlon, Joint Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, highlighted the urgency of the issue, noting that in 2023, there were 341 alcohol-specific deaths in Northern Ireland—a 65.5% increase compared to a decade earlier. She emphasized the importance of individuals understanding their alcohol intake and its impact on their health and well-being.
Community pharmacies are distributing free resources, including the ‘Focus On Alcohol’ leaflet and a unit calculator wheel, to assist individuals in tracking their alcohol consumption. George Wright, a community pharmacist at Clear Pharmacy in Bangor, stated, “Understanding your weekly alcohol units is key to keeping track of how much you’re drinking. It’s essential to get to know how many units are in your favorite drinks and take charge of your health.”
The campaign also addresses gender-specific health concerns, particularly the increased risk of breast cancer in women associated with alcohol consumption. Hanlon advised those concerned about their own or someone else’s drinking habits to consult with a pharmacist or GP.
For more information and access to support services, individuals are encouraged to visit their local community pharmacy or explore online resources at www.drugsandalcoholni.info.