Every day, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians help ensure patients get the right medication, the right dose, at the right time. During National Pharmacy Week (October 18-24), we proudly recognize these dedicated team members whose knowledge, compassion and commitment improve patients' lives throughout our communities.
Pharmacy professionals making a difference
Pharmacists are medication experts who work closely with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals. They help choose the safest and most effective medications, monitor treatment plans, educate patients and caregivers and answer medication-related questions.
On Tuesday, October 20, we also celebrate Pharmacy Technician Day and thank our technicians for their dedication and service! Pharmacy technicians are another essential member of the healthcare team. They help prepare medications, manage inventory, process prescriptions, coordinate insurance needs and support many daily pharmacy operations. Their work helps pharmacists spend more time caring for patients.
Supporting patients across the continuum of care
Many people know pharmacy professionals as the individuals who fill prescriptions, but their roles go far beyond that. Health system pharmacy teams work in hospitals, clinics, specialty programs, infusion centers, outpatient pharmacies, central distribution and medication assistance programs. Together, they help patients stay healthy and get the medications they need throughout their healthcare journey.
Acute Care and Inpatient Pharmacy
In our hospitals, pharmacy teams support patient care 24 hours a day. They review medication orders, monitor treatments, prepare specialized medications and work closely with care teams to ensure safe and effective therapy.
From the emergency department and intensive care units to medical and surgical floors, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play a key role in caring for patients with both simple and complex medication needs.
Ambulatory and Outpatient Pharmacy
Our ambulatory and outpatient pharmacy teams help patients manage their medications after leaving the hospital and during routine clinic visits. Pharmacists and technicians fill patient prescriptions for pickup, and pharmacists provide medication counseling, answer questions and identify potential medication-related problems.
In a variety of clinics, located in the hospital or freestanding Parkview clinics, pharmacists work directly with patients to manage conditions such as anticoagulation, diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and other chronic diseases. This support helps patients take medications correctly and achieve better health outcomes.
Specialty Pharmacy Services
Some patients need customized medications for complex or long-term health conditions. Specialty pharmacy teams provide extra support by helping patients understand their treatments, coordinating medication delivery and working through insurance requirements.
These services are especially valuable for patients living with conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases and other complex illnesses.
Infusion Pharmacy
Infusion pharmacy services support patients who receive medications through intravenous (IV) or injectable treatments. Pharmacists and technicians carefully prepare these medications and help ensure they are used safely.
These treatments may be provided in the hospital, an infusion center or even at home, requiring close coordination among healthcare teams. Parkview Health provides infusion services at the Packnett Family Cancer Institute, outpatient infusion centers at Parkview hospitals and Parkview Home Infusion Services, all of which are supported by pharmacy services.
Medication Assistance Programs
For many patients, the cost of medications can be a challenge. Our medication assistance teams help connect eligible patients with financial assistance programs and other resources that can make medications more affordable and accessible.
A commitment to excellence
Many pharmacy professionals work behind the scenes, but their impact is felt every day. They help improve medication safety, support better health outcomes, and provide trusted guidance to patients and healthcare teams alike.
As we celebrate Pharmacy Week, we extend our sincere gratitude to all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians across Parkview Health. Thank you for your dedication, expertise and commitment to providing exceptional care to our patients and communities.
Happy Pharmacy Week!
