Pharmacists Rank Second in Gallup Integrity Survey, Earn Top-Three Placement for 11th Consecutive Year

PRESS RELEASE

December 16, 2013 Arlington, Va. — Gallup’s annual Honesty and Integrity survey - just released today - reveals that pharmacists are ranked in the top three for the 11th consecutive year. Pharmacists ranked second - tied with grade school teachers - and second only to nurses in this year’s survey.

The survey measures the public’s trust of professionals across diverse disciplines, including but not limited to healthcare.

“Americans continue to view their pharmacists as highly-trusted and well-respected professionals as evidenced by this year’s Gallup’s Honesty and Integrity survey,” said National Association of Chain Drug Stores President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE.

“Today’s pharmacists spend more than six years obtaining professional education to receive their degree and license. In addition to providing safe access to prescription medications, pharmacists also provide a variety of health services to help patients feel better and live better, and reduce healthcare costs,” said Anderson.

“One-to-one, face-to-face interactions enable pharmacists to counsel patients about the importance of taking medications as prescribed. In addition, pharmacists administer vaccinations - including flu shots - and provide preventive health tests. They also offer educational programs and services to help patients manage diseases and chronic conditions,” said Anderson.

“Nearly all Americans live within five miles of a community pharmacy. As the face of neighborhood healthcare, pharmacists are better serving patients through accessible, convenient and personalized health care in partnership with other healthcare providers.