American Pharmacists Month

AMERICAN PHARMACISTS MONTH

This month-long observance is a time to recognize the significant contributions to health care and the commitment to patient care by student pharmacists and pharmacists in ALL practice settings from around the country. "Know Your MEDICINE, Know Your PHARMACIST" will serve as the theme and core message of the month.

APhA continues to promote your role on the health care team during a time when health care reform is in the national spotlight. YOU provide solutions that the system and our patients are looking for. NOW is the time to begin planning your American Pharmacists Month (APhM) celebrations to help reinforce this message within your communities. You can do that by hosting a variety of events, promoting your patient care services, participating in community activities or health fairs, and by getting the attention of your local media. This binder along with the APhA website will provide you with tools and information you need to get your APhM celebrations going.

APhM objectives

□  To recognize the vital contributions made by pharmacists to health care in the United States

□  To enhance the image of pharmacists as the medication experts and an integral part of the health care team, not just dispensers of medication

□  To educate the public, policy makers, pharmacists, and other health care professionals about the key role played by pharmacists in reducing overall health care costs by improved medication use and advanced patient care

□  To stress the importance of Knowing Your Medicine and Knowing Your Pharmacist to ensure drug therapy is as safe and effective as possible.

APhM is a time to motivate your colleagues, educate your patients, and inspire your community to "Know Your MEDICINE, Know Your PHARMACIST"

List of ideas to prepare APM events

Here’s a list of events and advocacy opportunities to plan for American Pharmacists Month.

I.  Organize a health screening at your state capitol

1.  Screen your representatives and talk with them about pharmacy

2.  Review checklist and Section 3 for additional instructions

II. Invite Representatives to a local pharmacy to promote flu vaccines, health awareness, medication safety, etc.

1.  Invite the media

a.  Positive media for the representatives and positive media for pharmacists

III.  Write an Opinion Editorial for your school or local newspaper

1.  Write about less-visible aspects of pharmacy

2.  Tell personal (HIPAA approved) stories about how local pharmacists have saved lives and made a big difference

IV.  Pass out advocacy flyers at sporting events (Ex. football/basketball games)

V.  Include advocacy pamphlets in medication bags when patients pick up medicine

VI.  Post on FB and Tweet about pharmacists’ capabilities

1.  Refer to the annual 31 facts list on the website

VII.  Create a PharmFlix Video

1.  Get these to go viral—increase public awareness of pharmacists’ capabilities

2.  Refer to the website for this year’s categories and criteria

VIII.  Solicit other innovative ideas from NEC, Policy Standing Committee, RDs, SPAN Liaisons, and other chapter leaders

IX.  Encourage your elected representatives –mayors, city managers, county executives and state governors—to designate October as American Pharmacists Month

American Pharmacists Month Introduction - Page 1 of 2