American Pharmacists Month
American Pharmacists Month takes place in October and is a celebration in support of pharmacists around the country. While the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) has celebrated the accomplishments of pharmacists for decades, the Association launched American Pharmacists Month in 2004. Since then, APhA has used October to further raise awareness among the public, patients, policy makers, and other stakeholders about the broad roles pharmacists play in health care today.
During American Pharmacists Month, APhA promotes awareness of the many services pharmacists offer beyond the safe distribution of medications. Examples of these services include seasonal and lifespan immunizations; medication reviews to assess safety, effectiveness, interactions and adherence; care management and counseling for disease states such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol; and smoking cessation counseling.
The month-long observance recognizes the impact pharmacists have on improving medication use, advancing patient care, and improving patient access and public health across all geographies and throughout all practice settings. It is a way to inspire and galvanize the pharmacy profession, while also encouraging the community to “Know Your Pharmacist — Know Your Medicine,” the slogan for American Pharmacists Month. The message encourages patients to interact with their pharmacist and learn more about their medications and other services that pharmacists can provide.
Personalized Cause supports American Pharmacists Month.