During the third full week of October, we celebrate National Pharmacy Week.
Pharmacy practices span the healthcare continuum from traditional roles like medication compounding and dispensing to more modern healthcare services like clinical services. As a result, pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals focusing on optimizing medication use for the benefit of patients. During this week we focus on the important role that Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians play across the continuum of care.
Did you know?
The foundation of the celebration dates back to 1924
Robert J. Ruth, a Pharmacist from Ashville, NC, proposed the first “National Pharmaceutical Week” at the 1924 American Pharmacist Association’s annual meeting. The inaugural celebration was held a year later in 1925 from October 11 to 17. This celebration was later renamed as National Pharmacy Week.
Dr. Pepper was invented by a pharmacist in Waco, Texas
Pharmacist Charles Alderton invented Dr Pepper at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, TX. When not mixing up medicine for his patients, Alderton enjoyed serving carbonated drinks at the soda fountain. He loved the way the drugstore smelled and set out to create a drink that tasted like that smell. He kept a journal, and after numerous experiments, he finally hit upon a mixture of fruit syrups that he liked, and the 24 flavors of Dr Pepper were born.
America’s first licensed pharmacist opened a drugstore offering traditional medicine as well as Voodoo remedies
In 1816 Louis Dufilho, Jr., a French immigrant in Louisiana, became the first licensed pharmacist in the county. He opened his own pharmacy in 1823 in New Orleans, offering traditional medications as well as Voodoo remedies, opium, leeches, and a soda fountain.
Pharmacy Technician as a profession got recognition in the 1970s
During the 1960s and early 1970s, the role of the pharmacy technician gained recognition. During that time pharmacy technicians began taking over a variety of administrative roles of the pharmacy, allowing the pharmacist to focus on patient care. ASHP created the first training guidelines for a pharmacy tech program in 1975 and the standards for pharmacy technician accreditation programs in 1982.
As the largest provider of innovative integrated pharmacy solutions, Outcomes® is proud to power care through pharmacy with patient-focused technologies. As we celebrate National Pharmacy Week, we celebrate pharmacies everywhere. Thank you for the work you do in providing high-quality care.
