American Pharmacists Month: Pharmacists Expand Community Health Services

Technological automation and expanded patient services are reshaping the role of pharmacists from traditional medication dispensers to comprehensive healthcare providers. Natalie DePietro Mager, PharmD, PhD, professor of pharmacy practice at Ohio Northern University, advocates for innovative approaches that could revolutionize community pharmacy services.

The pharmaceutical profession stands at a critical juncture, facing challenges of burnout, repetitive tasks, and limited patient interaction. DePietro Mager sees automation not as a threat but as a strategic opportunity to reimagine pharmacists' clinical potential. By leveraging technology to streamline routine operations, pharmacists can redirect their expertise toward more meaningful patient care. Her vision extends beyond workflow efficiency, targeting critical public health challenges. Blood pressure monitoring represents a prime example of this approach, particularly in women's health. With heart disease remaining the leading cause of death for women, pharmacists could become pivotal in preventative health care.

DePietro Mager also highlights the unique positioning of community pharmacies as accessible health care touchpoints, especially in underserved areas. From lead testing to HIV screenings, these neighborhood health centers can bridge significant gaps in medical access. Additionally, she emphasizes collaborative partnerships with health departments and providers, transforming pharmacies into comprehensive community health resources.

By embracing technological tools and expanding service scopes, pharmacists can fundamentally redefine their professional identity. No longer confined to prescription counters, they emerge as proactive healthcare partners, equipped to monitor, counsel, and intervene in patients' health journeys. As health care continues to emphasize technology advances, DePietro Mager's insights offer a compelling blueprint for the future of pharmacy—a future where innovation, accessibility, and patient-centered care converge to create more responsive, effective health care ecosystems.

"We need to do a better job of letting the public know all of the services they can get at their community pharmacy, and sometimes it could be confusing if one pharmacy offers a service and another doesn't yet offer such a service," she said. "We need to be letting people in the community know what they can expect to be provided to them at various community pharmacies."

READ MORE: American Pharmacists Month Resource Center

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