By: Lindsay Marcal, Director, Membership  

In October—especially during National Pharmacy Week, October 19–25, 2025—the National Health Council (NHC) celebrates the vital contributions of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in supporting patients and strengthening public health across the country. From medication management and patient education to preventive care, pharmacists are essential partners in helping people with chronic conditions live healthier lives. In many communities, local pharmacies also serve as one of the most accessible points of care, ensuring patients can receive the support they need close to home. 

Many NHC members collaborate around pharmacy workforce issues. For instance, a recent report from the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), along with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), called “Implementing Solutions Summit 2.0: Building a Sustainable, Healthy Pharmacy Workforce and Workplace” includes actions to improve pharmacy workplace conditions.  

Learn more about NHC members supporting the pharmacy field in their work to provide care for patients: 

Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP): A professional association dedicated to increasing patient access to affordable and safe medicines by supporting its membership of pharmacists, physicians, nurses, biopharmaceutical professionals, and other stakeholders.  

American Pharmacists Association (APhA): The only organization advancing the entire pharmacy profession by supporting pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in their role optimizing medication use and patient health outcomes, APhA is recognizing American Pharmacists Month with a Caring for Our Communities Theme.  

American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP):  An association of pharmacists and pharmacies that manage the medications of older people and the medically complex. ASCP’s mission is to promote healthy aging by empowering pharmacists with education, resources, and innovative opportunities. 

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP): The largest association of pharmacy professionals in the US in patient care settings, ASHP provides tools to join the Pharmacy Week celebration.  

Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) : HOPA supports oncology pharmacists through education and professional development to optimize patient care.  

Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA): An alliance dedicated to improving medication safety, adherence, and appropriate use to support better medication use and high-quality care.  

The NHC is proud to recognize pharmacists and pharmacy technicians for their vital role in advancing patient-centered care. We support our members who are working to champion a sustainable pharmacy workforce and equitable access to care. This National Pharmacy Week, we celebrate their dedication to improving health and strengthening communities nationwide.