Retail pharmacy can promote disease prevention as healthcare leaders

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — It stands to reason that as the first line of health care in the community, retail pharmacy can place itself at the forefront of efforts to promote prevention of disease.

(THE NEWS: HHS secretary announced $750 million investment in prevention, public health. For the full story, click here)

The Department of Health and Human Services’ investment in prevention and public health creates a huge opportunity for pharmacy retailers to put their skills and expertise to good use in efforts to prevent disease, particularly those that result from lifestyles, including obesity, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

And now that pharmacists can administer vaccinations, they can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases as well, all the while educating customers about the products and services they offer that help prevent disease and promote healthier living.

Food retailers that operate pharmacies are particularly well-positioned because they can promote the products and services at the pharmacy, while also promoting better eating, especially if they have in-store dietitians and other programs to promote healthy diets.