October 2024
Celebrating Pharmacy in October
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N 2004, OCTOBER WAS DESIGNATED AS NATIONAL PHARMACIST MONTH in the United States. This month provides a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy teams to patient care, particularly in the state of Nevada. These healthcare providers play an essential role in ensuring and promoting health and well-being in communities, hospitals, and beyond. They are vital members of the medical care team. The practice of pharmacy dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, where clay tablets described poultices and salves used by alchemists to cure and alleviate human ailments. These early practitioners relied on plants and natural remedies to create the first medicines, laying the foundation for what would later become pharmacology. By 1240 AD, the professions of pharmacy and medicine were recognized as separate fields, and regulations were introduced to govern both
By Liz MacMenamin
Liz MacMenamin professions. Pharmacists, often referred to as chemists in earlier times, were essential providers of medicine during events such as the Bubonic Plague in Europe. By the 1600s, the demand for compounding services grew due to their expertise in the healing arts. The 1800s brought significant advancements in healthcare, including the discovery of aspirin, the development of a rabies vaccine, and the life-saving discovery of penicillin. These breakthroughs were made by pharmacologists and alchemists dedicated to finding treatments for their patients. In 1852, the American
Association of Pharmacists was formed, and it remains a respected organization that represents both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. The association helps its 60,000 members stay informed on the latest trends and technology in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. These individuals play a pivotal role in providing patient care in Nevada and nationwide. Today, over 90% of Americans live within five miles of a community pharmacy, making these pharmacies accessible healthcare providers for millions of people. In 2021, community pharmacies Continued on page 2
INSIDE The Growing Concern of Health Insurance Claim Denials............................2 Defending and Advancing Pharmacies: Nevada’s Face of Neighborhood Healthcare......3 Nevada News............................4 National News..........................5 Practice of Pharmacy in Nevada and Nationwide..........6 OSHA Rewards Safety Excellence.....................9