Tomorrow, October 22nd, 2013, is National Pharmacy Technician Day. The annual event is endorsed by the American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT) and the Pharmacy Technician Educators Council (PTEC). This year’s theme is “Pharmacy Technicians: Trusted, Trained and Educated”.
This is the 23rd year Pharmacy Technicians are honored with their own national day. The first National Pharmacy Technician Day was in 1991, states the AAPT’s National Pharmacy Tech Day Flyer. The flyer can be printed off from their website to post in pharmacies, pharmacy tech schools and other key places to promote the day. (You can find it here: https://www.pharmacytechnician.com).
Recognizing the Day
“Along with Pharmacy Technician Day being recognized on the National level, many technicians have gotten their State legislators to recognize National Pharmacy Technician Day,” states the AAPT. “We encourage you to do the same.”
Numerous pharmacy tech schools and organizations/associations are also recognizing the day.
For example, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is encouraging pharmacies to send in photos of their team until October 30th in honor of National Pharmacy Technician Day. They are planning on posting some of these on their Facebook page. For more information, visit: https://www.ptcb.org/about-ptcb/news-room/news-landing/2013/10/18/send#.UmHeAvlJOSo.
The PTCB will also announce the CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) of the Year© on October 22nd! (Thousands voted for their CPhT of choice throughout the month of September.) “The day highlights the important role pharmacy technicians play in supporting pharmacists in the delivery of safe and effective patient care,” states the PTCB. “By recognizing the outstanding CPhT of the Year© and finalists, PTCB aims to support excellence and encourage innovation among all pharmacy technicians.”
A Week and Month for Pharmacy Professionals
National Pharmacy Technician Day coincides with National Hospital and Health-System Pharmacy Week (October 20-26, 2013) endorsed by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). This year’s theme is “Improving Healthcare, Improving Lives.” The ASHP adds, “The pharmacy technicians on your staff play a pivotal role in the daily activities of the pharmacy, so make sure that they also have a prominent place in your Pharmacy Week observance and make a point to recognize their work on National Pharmacy Technician Day.”
Additionally, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) has named October American Pharmacists Month and this year’s theme is “Know Your Medicine, Know Your Pharmacist.”
Celebrating Pharmacy Professionals
If you are a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician, take time this week and for the rest of the month to celebrate your own profession and each of the roles played by your team. It is also a great way to educate patients on each of the pharmacy professions, as well as other concepts related to the themes of healthcare and medication. If your loved one is a pharmacy professional, you can also take the time to honor their important work.
The ASHP and APhA offers a variety of ideas for celebrating, from organizing workshops for patients and decorating the pharmacy to having a staff party or even inviting legislators for a tour. For more information, visit:
https://www.ashp.org/pharmacyweek
https://www.pharmacist.com/american-pharmacists-month
