Today is the first day of October and the start of American Pharmacists Month (APhM), an annual celebration of pharmacists around the country. While pharmacists have long played an important role in our health system, in 2020, we have even more reason to celebrate: pharmacists continue to play a critical role on the front lines in the fight against coronavirus.
Even legislators agree. In recognition of pharmacists, the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Emergency Situations (HEROES) Act of 2020 was amended to include pharmacists as beneficiaries should any benefits for health care workers be enacted. An earlier version of the HEROES Act proposed a four-month federal income tax holiday for health care workers and first responders, with the option to extend it for another three months. The proposal was similar to how military members serving in combat zones are exempted from paying federal tax and recognized pharmacists as heroes.
As the month-long celebration continues, here are key dates throughout the month:
- World Pharmacist Day: October
- National Women Pharmacist Day: October 12
- National Pharmacy Week: October 18-24
- Pharmacy Technicians Day: October 20
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 310,000 pharmacists employed in the United States. The International Pharmaceutical Federation reports 2.8 million actively practicing pharmacists worldwide. Interestingly, 78% of pharmacy technicians worldwide are female.
Did you know?
- Pharmacists are considered the most accessible and frequently visited healthcare professional? In fact, in the United States, more than 90% of people live within 5 miles of a pharmacist
- On July 1, 2000, the Pharm.D. degree became the sole degree accredited by ACPE for pharmacy programs in the United States
- There are 12 different Board-Certification specialties that a pharmacist can be certified in
- Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, Pepsi and Ginger Ale were all invented by pharmacists
- Benjamin Franklin was a pharmacist
Enter to Win!
Just as we did in January for National Pharmacist Day, Care Services is once again providing clients a chance to win one of four $50 Visa gift cards! Simply enter for your chance to win by October 20. Winners will be announced in our November newsletter.
To all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who continue to put yourself on the front line, serving patients most in need, the team at Care Services says THANK YOU!
Enter to Win
