When you think about the month of October, what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of fall activities like going apple picking, and visiting pumpkin patches. I’m sure you think about Halloween and dressing up in fun costumes to travel door-to-door in search of candy. But does American Pharmacists Month come to mind?
October is American Pharmacists Month. It is a time when we celebrate pharmacists for their hard work and dedication.
These devoted individuals don’t just fill your prescription. Pharmacists all across the country work to educate, improve adherence, and answer questions in an effort to advance patient care.
We can all recall a time when you walked in to your local pharmacy, headed to the OTC/pharmacy area, and felt compelled to ask the pharmacist a question. More and more, pharmacists are moving out from behind the counter to interact with patients and provide a more comprehensive health and wellness experience.
Pharmacists also provide a range of services including care management and counseling for disease states like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. They also can administer seasonal flu immunizations as well as lifespan immunizations such as the pneumococcal vaccine.
The role of the pharmacist has expanded to benefit patients. Every day, pharmacists are focused on health and educational services that enhance the lives of patients and caregivers.
So the next time you go to pick-up your prescription, wish the pharmacist a happy American Pharmacists Month!