The COVID-19 pandemic brought home to many people how essential pharmacists are. They impact public health and affect health outcomes. This is important for minority populations and those who live in rural areas and low-income neighborhoods.
During the pandemic, pharmacies were flooded with people wanting to get their COVID-19 shots. Pharmacists worked long, hard hours to protect the American public. And thanks in large part to these dedicated professionals, the country came out on the other side. Today, many pharmacies are closing in wake of the pandemic. This is because of the professional strains placed on pharmacists and their staffs.
To honor and celebrate their vital jobs they do, we observe American Pharmacists Month in October. October 20-26 is designated as National Pharmacy Week.
Pharmacists serve a vital role in their communities. They connect people with access to life-saving treatment. Pharmacists serve their patients well, but they aren’t always recognized.
The public ranks pharmacists as among their most trust healthcare providers. Community pharmacies are the most often visited healthcare destinations for patients. They come in ahead of even urgent care centers and hospitals. They are regarded as a powerful force for patient education, interaction and care.
The Division of Pharmacy Services (DPS) supports Virginia Department of Health (VDH) in its public health mission. They provide vaccines, pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical services and other medications. They are distributed many places, including:
- Local health departments
- State and community partners
- K-12 public schools
- Other divisions within VDH
Pharmacists in DPS are at the heart of routine activities that go beyond the safe distribution of medications.
These examples show how pharmacists are key to VDH’s mission to protect the health and promote the well-being of all Virginians. But, they are just a snapshot of the true value pharmacists bring to the Commonwealth. We also want to recognize collaborations with pharmacists across our other partnerships. We partner with local pharmacies, healthcare centers and other arenas within Virginia.
Collaboration between DPS and other entities help stretch the positive impact across the Commonwealth. American Pharmacists Month is a chance to acknowledge the many ways that pharmacists provide care. It’s a time to celebrate pharmacists’ work and increase public awareness about how essential this work is.
We are truly grateful for our pharmacists!