American Pharmacists Month Promotes Pharmacy Profession

October is American Pharmacists Month (APhM), the perfect time to promote the pharmacy profession and recognize the important role of the pharmacist.

Throughout the month, pharmacists are encouraged to spread the word about their work and celebrate their contributions to their communities.

Some ways to celebrate in all practice settings include making time for face time with patients, holding brown bag medication reviews, and hosting local legislators, according to the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), which sponsors APhM.

Pharmacists in all settings can also participate in social media challenges, including the #ThankAPharmacist campaign.

By using the hashtag #ThankAPharmacist and tagging @Pharmacy_Times throughout APhM, participants will have an opportunity to generate awareness and goodwill for their favorite pharmacists or pharmacy colleagues.

Other ideas for community pharmacists in particular include:

• Conducting OTC aisle tours to emphasize the importance of reading drug labels and asking pharmacists questions.
• Making a presentation at a local cooking class about the importance of speaking with a pharmacist about food-drug interactions.
• Hosting a “sidewalk sale” where local businesses publicize themselves while pharmacists promote their patient care services.

For pharmacists in hospital and managed care settings, the APhA recommends:

• Making patient rounds, answering any questions patients may have about their medications.
• Inviting all hospital and managed care staff to visit the pharmacy.
• Offering curbside medication therapy management sessions.

"There are more ways to celebrate American Pharmacists Month than there are days in October,” the APhA wrote on its website. “You just need to figure out what works best for your pharmacy.”

Pharmacy technicians and student pharmacists can also play big roles during APhM.

For instance, the APhA advises technicians to remind their team members about National Pharmacy Technician Day, which falls on October 20 this year. To celebrate, techs can set up a special health event where they can conduct blood pressure screenings or other pharmacy-based patient care services.

Student pharmacists can inspire their peers on campus to “Know Your Pharmacist, Know Your Medicine” by writing an op-ed about the importance of pharmacy for their school paper or school-connected professional journal. APhA-ASP chapters can partner with faculty members to conduct free health screenings and medication check-ups for local businesses and organizations.