Pharmacists Serve Unique Populations Along US-Mexico Border

In addition to maintaining essential services, pharmacists along the United States-Mexico border must consider the unique needs of their patients, including those with language barriers or those in underserved populations.

In an interview with Pharmacy Times, Sandra Leal, PharmD, MPH, FAPhA, CDE, the new president of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), spoke about her childhood experiences growing up in Arizona, along the border. To avoid language barriers with pharmacists in the United States and because they trusted pharmacists in Mexico, her family would cross the border to visit those pharmacies. These experiences influenced not only her decision to become a pharmacist, but Leal said they have given her a drive to help serve similar demographics.

For her new role with APhA, Leal said she hopes to support pharmacists and advocate for the profession, in addition to a continued focus on helping pharmacists in underserved communities or those working with patients who have language barriers.