Through its Nourish My Health Initiative, NACDS spotlights the many ways pharmacists support patients’ health, from medication counseling to nutrition guidance.

October is American Pharmacists Month, and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), through its Nourish My Health initiative, is celebrating the pharmacists and pharmacy teams who help patients take an active role in their health every day. From medication counseling and health screenings to nutrition guidance and preventive care, pharmacists provide trusted, convenient support in communities across the country.

Today, pharmacists do far more than fill prescriptions. They administer vaccines for patients of all ages, provide health screenings, and in many states test for and treat common illnesses like flu and strep throat. For patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, pharmacists review medications, offer personalized counseling, catch dangerous drug interactions, and provide ongoing wellness support.

That trusted relationship also creates opportunities to talk about nutrition and its connection to better health. Through Nourish My Health, patients are encouraged to ask their pharmacist about health screenings and healthy eating. Pharmacists can help patients understand their health information, make informed choices and identify nutrition considerations related to their medications and overall health.

"American Pharmacists Month is a chance to thank the pharmacy teams that contribute meaningfully to their communities every single day," said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson. "Patients count on their local pharmacy for convenient, trusted care close to home, from vaccines and health screenings to medication counseling and guidance on healthy eating. The best way to honor pharmacy teams is with policies that enhance their ability to care for their communities - and that protect patients' access to the pharmacies they depend on."

Roughly 9 in 10 Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy, and four in five Americans say it is easy to access healthcare services at a pharmacy. American Pharmacists Month also coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, intersecting around a shared goal: helping people live healthier lives through greater access to prevention and care.

Through Nourish My Health, pharmacy teams help connect patients with information and resources that empower them to make healthier choices, during October and throughout the year. Launched in 2023 with leading national health organizations, NACDS Nourish My Health supports a national strategy to end hunger, improve nutrition, and reduce disease. The campaign encourages baseline health screenings and offers healthy eating guidelines. It also runs a nutrition security survey to develop practical ways to expand access and provides resources for professionals. Visit nourishmyhealth.org.