Welcome to our series featuring Unique Holidays: October 2022: American Pharmacists Month. I don’t know about you but I believe if you use a Pharmacists I think we should thank them for what they do. Without them we wouldn’t have the medicine we need.
American Pharmacists Month
American Pharmacists Day is a celebration of the invaluable work done by pharmacists and the vital role Pharmacists play in Society. Healthcare providers deserve all the recognition that they can get, especially considering their contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, and pharmacists are no exception.
History of American Pharmacists Month
Pharmacists also known as chemists, apothecaries, or druggists have been around for Centuries. The earliest trace of a pharmacy in America dates back to the Colonial period when explorations were made to find medical plants among American Flora. Soon after this, drugstores opened up in parts of North America.
It wasn’t until the 19th Century that the pharmacy as we know it today came into being. The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (P.C.P.) was formed and is said to have set the foundation for a pharmaceutical system in the U.S. Elias Durand played an important role in discovering new medicinal plants, creating new medical chemicals, and so forth. Durand was also a role model for William Procter, Jr., the father of the American pharmacy.
Procter studied and taught at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. Procter not only wrote the first pharmacy textbook but also paved the way for many others to follow. Procter led the “American Journal of Pharmacy” for 22 years and served first as the corresponding secretary and later as the president of the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA).
APhA — now the American Pharmacists Association was formed in 1852 as a professional organization for American pharmacists. With over 62,000 current members, APhA is still an active organization raising awareness about and advocating for pharmacists all over the Nation. In fact, it was APhA that launched American Pharmacists Month (APhM) back in 2004! American Pharmacists Month has been celebrated every October since then.
How to Observe American Pharmacists Month
- If you happen to see your local pharmacist, let them know that they are truly celebrated and appreciated for all that they do for the community.
- Even if you don’t require a pharmacists services often, donate to or volunteer at any fundraisers or organizations that benefit American pharmacists.
- Leave your local pharmacist a positive review on their website or other search engines, in their personal feedback box, or even through word of mouth!
5 Facts About Pharmacy
- Did you know Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, and Pepsi were all invented by pharmacists.
- The global pharmaceuticals market is approximately worth $500 billion.
- Chris Hemsworth was a pharmacist before he went on to become Thor.
- Each new drug takes about 20 years to fully develop.
- Benjamin Franklin is considered one of the founding fathers of the pharmacy.
Why American Pharmacists Month is Important
- Healthcare workers have proved over the course of the pandemic that they are the superheroes of our Society. While frontline workers deserve praise and celebration, we must not forget to include pharmacists.
- Pharmacists do more than just sell medicines. Pharmacies offer services like monitoring medication, checking for allergies, and so forth. This month spreads awareness about the pharmacists wide scope of services.
- While you don’t need a holiday to appreciate someone, it is nice to have a month dedicated to the celebration of pharmacists, who we may not get to see regularly and thank them for there services.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
