David Jacobs, PharmD, PhD

Pharmacies face time, workload, and sustainability challenges when integrating social care, but support and reimbursement can make these efforts viable.

Cross-training pharmacy staff as community health workers enables pharmacies to effectively address health-related social needs and improve community health outcomes.

Integrating health-related social needs programs into pharmacy practice strengthens patient care and positions pharmacies as vital public health partners.

Sustainable reimbursement and policy support are essential for community pharmacies to expand services, integrate care, and improve patient and population health outcomes.

Community pharmacies can play a key role in addressing health-related social needs, but success requires overcoming different challenges.

Cross-training pharmacy staff as CHWs enables pharmacies to address patients’ social needs effectively and sustainably, improving engagement and health outcomes.

Integrating HRSN screening and referral services allows community pharmacies to address social and clinical needs and strengthen public health.