Mike Hennessy Sr

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.

Social isolation amid widespread lockdowns, coupled with fear and anxiety over becoming infected by the SARS- CoV-2 virus, have undoubtedly affected the mental well-being of many individuals. In fact, the results of a recent study published in Psychiatry Research showed increased levels of clinical depression symptoms and a reduction in overall well-being among young adults during the lockdown. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and our 

 dives into how pharmacists can address the mental health burden in their patients and communities. From specialized training and medication management to simply checking in on patients’ mental welfare when they visit the pharmacy, opportunities exist for pharmacists across health care settings. Read our story on page 10 to learn more.


It is also important for pharmacists to take care of their own mental health during these times. Tune in to our Medical World News® broadcast to catch our new “Wellbeing Checkup” segment for tips and tricks from peers and experts on how to practice self-care and prevent burnout. Visit 

Additionally, as more Americans become eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, pharmacists undoubtedly will be asked questions regarding the vaccines’ safety profiles. Pharmacists should arm themselves with the knowledge to properly educate vaccine-hesitant patients. Turn to page 24 for an 

overview of the current safety data for each available vaccine

 and what is known about the adverse effects.

You’ll also find in this issue great insights into 

integrating pharmacists into the stroke care team

. Check back to drugtopics.com for the latest pharmacy news, including expert interviews, podcasts, and conference coverage.

Chairman and Founder of MJH Life Sciences

Articles

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Independent community pharmacy represented 35% of all retail pharmacies in the United States in 2019, according to the National Community Pharmacists Association’s 2020 

Particularly in rural and underserved areas, independent pharmacies have become the health care hubs for their communities, making them ideally positioned to bridge gaps in health care access. While the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) underscored disparities regarding access to care, supplies, and mortality in minority communities, pharmacy has only scratched the surface in addressing the factors that lead to these disparities.

 delves into how pharmacy professionals are serving minority populations to address these health care disparities and improve outcomes. In a series of interviews, we learn from pharmacy owners about what it means to provide culturally competent care and build trust with members of minority communities.

® Editorial Advisory Board member Lakesha Butler, PharmD, BCPS, says in this month’s issue: “Patient-provider trust is critical when serving communities of color.”

Additionally, February is American Heart Month. Individuals with diabetes are especially at greater risk of developing heart disease. On page 20, Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, discusses 

 and how pharmacists, as part an interdisciplinary team, can play an important role in helping patients with prediabetes or diabetes reduce their risk. You can also read more on this topic in our dedicated 

Immunizations are at the forefront of everyone’s mind. The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a renewed interest in vaccinations. This issue also discusses how pharmacies can 

effectively promote their immunization programs

 for important non-COVID vaccinations, as well as 

For health-system pharmacists, we dive into some of the top COVID-19–related medication safety errors occurring in hospitals amid the pandemic. The Institute of Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) offers 

 around potential risks associated with infusion pumps, drug shortages and importation, and drug labeling changes. 

Continue to visit drugtopics.com for up-to-date information and timely pharmacy news.

Chairman and Founder of MJH Life Sciences™

NCPA Releases 2020 Digest Report. News release. National Community Pharmacists Association; October 19, 2020. Accessed January 20, 2020. 

https://ncpa.org/newsroom/news-releases/2020/10/19/ncpa-releases-2020-digest-report

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. 

Community Pharmacies Can Make a Difference As Health Hubs

Much of our focus over the last year has been on the ongoing battle with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its effects on pharmacy.

Nine months following the early stages of the pandemic, the FDA approved 2 COVID-19 vaccines under emergency authorization. Before New Year’s Day, millions of Americans had received the vaccine, including frontline pharmacists and health care providers and nursing home patients, our most vulnerable citizens. 

These past 9 months have told a story of heroism, innovation, and precise science, performed under unbelievable pressure. Let’s not mince words: The US and the world must appreciate the role of the pharmaceutical industry—the investigators, health care professionals, and business leaders—who are rescuing the world from COVID-19. It’s the medical breakthrough of our lifetime.

As new vaccines continue to roll out and the first wave of vaccinations begins, pharmacists will be tasked to help with massive immunization efforts over the course of the next year.

A session at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacist’s (ASHP) Midyear 2020 Clinical Meeting and Exhibition, which was held virtually December 6-10, 2020, highlighted the pharmacist’s important role in these COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Read the 

 to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines’ development processes and how to address vaccine hesitancy. You’ll also find more coverage from the meeting throughout the issue, including updates on 

top policy priorities for health-system pharmacists

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. Between an expanding scope of practice, increasing acceptance of virtual health, and breakthrough advancements in medicine, there is no shortage of topics to discuss. Read our 

Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, also gives insight into some of the 

 expected for 2021. Stay up-to-date on these impending treatments across therapeutic areas including COVID-19, oncology, migraine, and more.

® editorial advisory board member Mohamed Jalloh, PharmD, BCPS, discusses how pharmacists can build career skills for the future of pharmacy. As Jalloh writes in his commentary, “Every pharmacist dreams of a great purpose in their pharmacy career. However, many often feel frustrated with the current employment market.” 

 to learn how pharmacists can adapt their skills to keep up with an evolving profession and take advantage of future employment opportunities.

As we look back at 2020 and ahead to 2021, the 

® team wishes all of our readers a happy new year.

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. 

A Whirlwind of Change Paves Way for Pharmacy’s Future

If anything has demonstrated the need and value of expanded access to community-based care, it’s been the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Over the past several weeks, the passage of new legislation has highlighted the pharmacists' value to their communities. At the time of this publication, the US Department of Health & Human Services has authorized all state-licensed pharmacists the ability to 

 once they are available. This is a significant step forward for the profession, as pharmacists will play a critical role in immunization efforts amid the COVID-19 response. However, for a long time, industry headwinds have impeded pharmacists’ ability to practice at the top of their licenses. As pharmacists begin to step into the role of clinicians, legislation should ensure that they are also compensated fairly for doing so.

, you’ll find coverage from ThoughtSpot Live 2020, 

’s annual inde- pendent pharmacy conference and trade show, which includes an update on 

key areas of focus for independent pharmacies

 looking to thrive in today’s challenging environment. As pharmacies continue to pivot their services to adapt, supporting business expansion beyond the traditional dispensing will be crucial to success. Visit 

www.drugtopics.com/conference/thoughtspot

 for more insights, including interviews with leading experts.

Furthermore, on top of the ongoing public health crisis, the presidential election is looming. Our 

 dives into how the outcome of this election might affect health care issues, especially for pharmacy. What happens next in health care depends largely on COVID-19, especially in light of breaking news at press time that the President has been diagnosed with COVID-19. No matter what, advocacy remains crucial to pharmacists overcoming current barriers, such as direct and indirect remuneration fees.

And finally, October is American Pharmacists Month—a dedicated time to recognize pharmacists’ contribution to health care. Take time to celebrate staff members going above and beyond. Karen Berger, PharmD, writes more about 

As always, keep visiting drugtopics.com as we continue to keep you up-to- date with the latest pharmacy news.

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

