American Pharmacists Month

St. Louis College of Pharmacy celebrates American Pharmacists Month

Students and faculty will participate in several campus and community events to increase awareness of pharmacy

ST. LOUIS – During October, St. Louis College of Pharmacy will join other pharmacy colleges throughout the nation, working pharmacists in numerous health care settings and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) in celebrating American Pharmacists Month.

This annual observance aims to:

- Recognize the vital contributions made by pharmacists to health care in the United States.
- Enhance the image of pharmacists as the medication experts and an integral part of the health care team, not just dispensers of medication.
- Educate the public, policy makers 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.
- Stress the importance of patients understanding and knowing their medicine and building relationships with their pharmacist to ensure that drug therapy is safe and as effective as possible.

The theme is: “Know your Medicine. Know your Pharmacist.” In observance, the College has planned and will participate in campus and community events to increase awareness of the profession.

“Pharmacists have an important role in our health care system and greatly impact the quality of care received by patients,” said Thomas F. Patton, president of the College. “The month of October provides an important opportunity for pharmacy colleges, working professionals, and the APhA to increase understanding the profession by focusing on the commitment to patient care by pharmacists in all practice settings.”

About St. Louis College of Pharmacy: Founded in 1864, St. Louis College of Pharmacy is one of the oldest and largest colleges of pharmacy in America. The College admits students directly from high school and integrates the liberal arts and sciences with a six-year professional curriculum leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Approximately 1,250 students attend, and more than 72 percent of practicing pharmacists in the St. Louis metropolitan area are alumni.

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