Roseman University of Health Sciences issued the following announcement on October 6.
Well before the pandemic, most people were already fully aware of the important role pharmacists play in keeping our communities healthy. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) dominated our thoughts for the entirety of 2020 and even now, but the COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted how crucial, even heroic, pharmacists truly are.
That is why we are proud to share that Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has approved the Student Alliance Policy Committee’s request to once again proclaim October as American Pharmacists Month in Nevada!
P2 PharmD Candidate Rachel Dittrich
Class of 2023 PharmD candidate Rachel Dittrich shared the news with our staff last week. Rachel is the President of the Drug Awareness Advocacy Team (DAAT), Vice President of Policy for Student Alliance, and a member of the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. Delta Tau Chapter and Nevada Pharmacy Alliance.
“The Policy Committee of Student Alliance is responsible for providing a representative on behalf of Roseman University of Health Sciences to the National Pharmacy Organizations, APhA-ASP, and ASHP, as well as the state-level organizations, NVSHP and Nevada Pharmacy Alliance,” she shared.
“Together our Policy Committee members help to connect the Roseman University student pharmacist population with the public to help improve communications and to advocate for change in the field of pharmacy, in both the state of Nevada as well as within the United States.”
Rachel is grateful for the help and support of the Policy Committee Members and Roseman Faculty Members who assisted with writing the proclamation.
- Rachel Dittrich (P2)
- Bon Riwilin Albana (P2)
- Dwaynie Bacon (P2)
- Rhet Pond (P2)
- Michelle Nguyen (P1)
- Westin Chan (P1)
- Dr. Helen Park
- Dr. Ken Kunke
Governor Sisolak will have Madeline Burak officially announce the proclamation virtually over Zoom during the Student Alliance Board Meeting on October 18th, 2021 at 12 pm. Once the printed copy is provided to Rachel via mail, a member of our staff will proudly display the proclamation in the Student Commons on the Henderson campus.
Pharmacists During the Pandemic
Why are pharmacists important? Health Affairs shared that 90 percent of people live within five miles of a community pharmacy and rely on pharmacists as their public health partners in testing and vaccinating for COVID-19. Roseman University was a Point of Dispensary (POD) for the COVID-19 vaccines and joined the effort to vaccinate individuals in Southern Nevada.
“Pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare professionals, and with the past year and a half, almost two years, that we have been through with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is of great importance for us to recognize Pharmacists for all that they have accomplished,” Rachel explained.
“Along with the pandemic, the state of Nevada has passed three brand new bills that will help to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists with the ability to prescribe oral contraceptives and PEP/PrEP medications.”
Pharmacists serve people from every background and belief, sometimes needing to dispel fears about the vaccine and its effects. These healthcare heroes must work quickly and accurately often under pressure, and must empathetically educate the community on drug interactions and what to expect. Pharmacists have been our counselors, our interpreters, and our friends in health during a time in history that no one could predict.
We join in with the community this month to reflect on the field of pharmacy and the many members shaping it for the better each and every day. Happy American Pharmacists Month!
Original source can be found here.
Source: Roseman University of Health Sciences
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