Mike Hennessy Sr

Although COVID-19 remains a real threat, it seems we are now progressing toward a return to normalcy thanks to the widespread availability of vaccines and tireless efforts of our health care workers.

More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health burden resulting from the public health crisis is becoming more and more apparent.

Particularly in underserved areas, independent pharmacies have become the health care hubs for their communities, making them ideally positioned to bridge gaps in health care access.

Apart from COVID-19, there are several other industry trends taking root that will likely have a transformative effect on the profession in years to come.

If anything has demonstrated the need and value of expanded access to community-based care, it’s been the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

As reopening efforts and recovery plans start to take hold, it should be recognized that community pharmacies are ideally positioned to support this national effort.

In the face of COVID-19, pharmacists continue to provide accessible care to patients.

As the global COVID-19 pandemic and consequent public health crisis continues on, health care providers on the frontlines of this crisis deserve all of the support needed to continue serving their patients.

What new gaps will pharmacists need to fill?

As we head into a new year, Drug Topics® is exploring some of the latest pharmacy trends and how they will shape the industry in the next decade. 

In 2020, we know there will be a renewed focus on collaborating across health care specialties while reducing costs.