From preventive screenings to nutrition counseling, pharmacies meet women where they are — at every stage of life.

As May marks National Women's Health Month, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), through its Nourish My Health initiative, is recognizing the vital role pharmacies play in supporting women's health and well-being every day. Throughout May, NACDS and participating member pharmacies are spotlighting that work - and NACDS is underscoring the importance of policies that preserve and expand pharmacy access for the communities they serve.

This year's National Women's Health Month commemorates a national commitment to more proactive, connected care - moving beyond fragmented approaches to prioritize prevention, early detection, and improved health outcomes for women at every stage of life. That focus is needed: nearly 45 percent of adult women have hypertension and more than 41 percent have obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pharmacies are uniquely positioned to help meet that need, translating the promise of coordinated, preventive care into everyday reality.

"Pharmacies play a critical role in helping women access the care and guidance they need to manage their health with confidence," said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson. "The most accessible healthcare providers in the country, pharmacists are often the first point of contact for women seeking guidance, reassurance, and trusted clinical expertise. That proximity matters, and our member pharmacies are committed to being that trusted resource for women in every community."

Throughout National Women's Health Month and beyond, NACDS member pharmacies are supporting women's health in meaningful ways, including:

• Providing counseling and care resources focused on women's wellness, preventive health, and the management of chronic conditions;
• Offering tailored guidance to help women thrive through reproductive health, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause;
• Connecting women with registered dietitians for nutrition consultations that address needs shifting across life's stages and support lasting lifestyle changes; and,
• Supporting women through hormonal transitions and complex health phases with evidence-based, individualized care.

Nine in 10 Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy, and 84 percent say it is easy to access healthcare services from one - making pharmacies one of the most consistently accessible points of care in the country. That accessibility is particularly meaningful for women's health, where early intervention and ongoing support can have a lasting impact on long-term outcomes.

Realizing the promise of a prevention-focused, holistic approach to women's health requires the right policy foundation. NACDS emphasized the importance of:

• Ensuring fair reimbursement for pharmacy services;
• Advancing pharmacist-provided care through federal legislation such as the Main Street Pharmacy Access Act (formerly the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act) and various state-level efforts; and,
• Advancing rural health initiatives to bring expanded pharmacy care capabilities to hard-to-reach areas.

"NACDS is proud to stand alongside our partners in prioritizing women's health - driving toward a future defined by prevention, earlier intervention, and stronger outcomes," Anderson said. "Pharmacies are on the front lines of that effort every day, offering convenient access to screenings, testing, and counseling that help women detect and address health concerns early - and policies should empower them to keep doing just that."

Observed each May, National Women's Health Month encourages women to make their health a priority and take proactive steps toward prevention and well-being at every stage of life. Through its Nourish My Health initiative and ongoing advocacy, NACDS continues to champion the role pharmacies play in delivering accessible, personalized care that helps women and their families live healthier lives.