​The patient safety community is mourning the loss of Steve Long of Calgary, Alberta, who passed away on July 24, 2019 from complications of lung cancer.

Steve graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy with the University of Alberta class of 1981. He went on to receive his MBA from the University of Calgary in 1990 and became the Director of Pharmacy at the Rockyview Hospital in 1995; he then worked in leadership roles with the Calgary District Hospital Group and the Calgary Health Region. In 2008, he joined Alberta Health as an Executive Director with responsibility for the Alberta Drug Benefit Program. For the past six years, Steve has worked as a consultant, providing thought leadership and public policy recommendations to his clients across the country.  In June 2019, Steve received an Honorary Life Membership from the Alberta College of Pharmacy for his commitment and contribution to pharmacy throughout his career. He was a proud pharmacist and a champion for improved drug therapy for patients and advancement of pharmacist and technician practice.

Steve is also credited for promoting a culture of safety and increased awareness of risks and medication incidents. He became an advocate for secondary victims of harmful events after a pharmacy at Calgary's Foothills Hospital mistakenly prepared dialysis solutions with potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride. Long was the director in charge of that pharmacy at the time. He then joined forces with another victim of that tragedy, Deborah Prowse, a member of Patients for Patient Safety Canada, and the two have appeared together regularly, speaking with great candour so that others could learn from their shared painful experience. Steve’s resolve for transparency and openness has helped secondary victims go from harm to healing. A copy of their video is available.

Our sincere condolences are extended to Steve’s wife, Dale, son Fraser and daughter Kirsten. Steve will be missed by his community and by all those whose life he touched.