Resolution Calls for Celebrating Pharmacists-October 2008

It is official. The House of Representatives recently passed a resolution (H Res 1437) designating October as American Pharmacists Month. The resolution, introduced by Rep Marion Berry (D, AR), celebrates the many contributions made by pharmacists in all practice settings toward providing safe, affordable, and beneficial medication therapy management services to patients.

“Pharmacists are frontline medical professionals who are often the first and only stop for individuals seeking medical advice,” said Rep Berry. “This resolution is a fitting tribute to pharmacists and their outstanding service to our communities across America.”

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) established National Pharmacy Week in 1925 to celebrate the contribution of the nation’s pharmacists to America’s health, and in October 2004, it launched American Pharmacists Month. This year’s theme, “Know Your Medicine—Know Your Pharmacist,” urges individuals to partner with their pharmacist to optimize drug therapy. The month-long celebration is an opportunity for pharmacists to take special note of the great strides that have been made in the pharmacy profession and the positive impact they have on patients.

The APhA Web site offers a variety of tools to help pharmacists bring greater awareness about the vital role as a health care provider to the patients they serve. The Web site also features the “American Pharmacists Month Planning Guide” with ideas to increase community consciousness about the care provided by pharmacists. The guide features ideas for community pharmacists, hospital pharmacists, managed care pharmacists, long-term care pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy students. For more information, visit

www.pharmacist.com

.