American Pharmacists Month 2009

American Pharmacist Month (APhM) 2009 will be celebrated in October. This month-long observance is a time to recognize the significant contributions to health care and the commitment to patient care by 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 APhM 2009 celebrations to help reinforce this message within your communities. You can do that by hosting events in your practice setting, promoting your patient care services, participating in community activities or health fairs, and by getting the attention of your local media. This Web site will provide you with tools and information you need to get your APhM celebrations going. 

Start by viewing the APhM Planning Guide, your one-stop shop for all of your planning needs. Celebration ideas are broken down by practice setting and will instruct you on ways to increase community consciousness about the care provided by pharmacists. Also be sure to visit the APhM store, where you will find APhM branded merchandise to help you promote your pharmacy and the profession during October.

And don't forget to let us know how you plan to celebrate. Your ideas and stories will help encourage your colleagues to get involved.

APhM is a time to Motivate your staff, Educate your patients, and Inspire your community to “Know Your MEDICINE, Know Your PHARMACIST” Get involved today!

American Pharmacists Month 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.

View the "You and Your Pharmacist: A Winning Team" video series in the Pharmacist.com Video Center.