Pharmacy Week is just around the corner, taking place during the third week of October each year. According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), this week is “a time to recognize the powerful impact you make on your patients.” It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the hard work of your pharmacy team and the health of your community.
The Origins of Pharmacy Week
Pharmacy Week dates back to 1925 when Robert J. Ruth envisioned a dedicated time to emphasize public health. Ruth’s goals were twofold: to remind pharmacists everywhere of their ethical duty to protect the public’s health and to raise public awareness about the valuable role pharmacists play in the community.
Ways to Celebrate Pharmacy Week
1. Personally thank your staff or co-workers
Take a moment each day during Pharmacy Week to acknowledge the hard work of your pharmacy team. Consider writing personalized thank-you notes for each staff member, highlighting specific contributions they’ve made. You could also share daily shout-outs during staff meetings to recognize their efforts in providing exceptional patient care.
2. Host a special event for your patients
Celebrate Pharmacy Week by hosting an event that provides value to your patients and emphasizes health. Offer free health screenings, such as blood pressure checks, diabetes risk assessments, or flu shot clinics. Consider setting up a small health fair within the pharmacy with educational booths, giveaways, and refreshments. These events not only promote wellness but also strengthen relationships and showcase the impact pharmacies have on the health of their local communities.
3. Decorate your pharmacy
Bring Pharmacy Week to life by decorating your pharmacy with banners, posters, and balloons. Create a festive atmosphere with a Pharmacy Week-themed display that includes health tips, pharmacy history facts, or fun trivia about medications. Decorating the space not only celebrates the week but also engages patients who visit during this time.
4. Participate in a community event
Show your pharmacy’s commitment to the community by participating in local events. Consider sponsoring a 5k walk/run for a health cause, organizing a food drive, or volunteering as a team at a local charity. Partnering with local organizations during Pharmacy Week not only enhances your pharmacy’s visibility but also highlights your dedication to giving back.
5. Invest in team development
Use Pharmacy Week as an opportunity to focus on professional growth. Offer to cover the cost of a continuing education (CE) course for your staff, or host a lunchtime learning session on a relevant healthcare topic. You could also start a journal club where team members take turns leading discussions on recent pharmacy-related articles. Investing in your team’s growth demonstrates your commitment to their development.
6. Advocate for pharmacy issues
Pharmacy Week is a great time to advocate for the profession. Organize a letter-writing campaign or a petition supporting a pharmacy-related cause, such as fair reimbursement or expanding pharmacists’ roles in patient care. You could also use your pharmacy’s social media platforms to raise awareness about important legislation affecting the industry and encourage patients to support the cause.
7. Engage with a local pharmacy school
Reach out to nearby pharmacy schools and offer to collaborate during Pharmacy Week. Invite pharmacy students to your location for shadowing opportunities, host a guest lecture on pharmacy practice, or provide resume reviews and interview tips. Engaging with students during Pharmacy Week helps to inspire the next generation of pharmacists and reinforces your pharmacy’s role in shaping the future of the profession.
8. Organize a team-building outing
Celebrate Pharmacy Week with a team-building activity that allows your staff to unwind and bond. Consider organizing a themed trivia night, a cooking class, or an escape room challenge. These fun outings provide a chance for team members to connect outside of work, improving camaraderie and fostering a strong team dynamic.
9. Partner with local businesses or organizations
Leverage Pharmacy Week to strengthen ties with local businesses or healthcare providers. Coordinate joint health events, such as wellness seminars or vaccination clinics, with nearby medical offices, gyms, or senior centers. Establishing these partnerships during Pharmacy Week helps you reach new audiences while building valuable community relationships.
10. Create a “pharmacy appreciation wall”
Dedicate a section of your pharmacy to an appreciation wall where staff and patients can share positive messages about the pharmacy team. Encourage patients to leave notes of gratitude or stories about how the pharmacy has helped them. You could also include a space for team members to recognize their peers for going above and beyond. This interactive display adds a personal touch to Pharmacy Week celebrations and visibly showcases the impact your pharmacy has on the community.
Marketing your pharmacy week activities
As Pharmacy Week approaches, make the most of this opportunity to celebrate your team and engage your community. Promote your events through social media, text messages, or IVR messages to keep patients informed and excited.
Be sure to capture highlights from the week and share them online to showcase your team’s impact and boost your pharmacy’s visibility.
Celebrating Pharmacy Week not only honors your team’s hard work but also strengthens relationships with your community, leaving a lasting impression long after the week ends.
Planning on participating in pharmacy week?
We’d love to help you promote your Pharmacy Week events and help you boost your online visibility for all your initiatives.
