Special Report: Honoring exemplary community pharmacists

DON’T be this pharmacist. Be more like the ones Drug Store News profiles in this special section, compiled in honor of National Pharmacist Month in October.

Today’s pharmacists DON’T hide behind the counter and they do A LOT MORE than just fill prescriptions.

They are saving the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and private insurers millions of dollars — and saving lives — by helping patients take their medications as they are supposed to.

They help patients find the means to be able to afford potentially life-saving medications.

They are partnering with physician and hospital groups, and public and private employers to help patients lose weight, quit smoking and meet other specific health goals.

They are creating special immunization programs in their communities.

They are working with hospitals to help reduce patient readmissions.

And they are mentoring and training the next generation of great community pharmacists.

The profiles that appear in this issue are not meant to serve as any kind of definitive list, nor is DSN singling them out for some special award — although in many cases the companies they work for have already chosen to honor them separately. They are examples of the work community pharmacists do everyday to deliver care to patients and advance the profession — everyday heroes doing extraordinary work.

Be more like these pharmacists.