All over the nation, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are standing up to the challenge of COVID- 19 and showing their commitment to the communities they serve. The COVID-19 pandemic has tested healthcare facilities and their employees to their limits and our country’s pharmacy professionals have been on the frontlines with them. These professionals have shown themselves to be an integral part of treating and stopping the spread of COVID-19. October is American Pharmacists Month and October 19 is Pharmacy Technician Day. This is the time to recognize these pharmacy professionals and share information about the positive impact they make on our communities. Every day, these professionals safely provide medications that help people live healthier and better lives. Turenne PharMedCo Pharmacy Services is grateful for pharmacy professionals and their work throughout the ages.
Rich heritage
The history of pharmacy can be traced back to the early days of human existence. Ancient man used water, leaves, dirt and mud as soothing applications for injuries. Through trial and error, experience and time, these crude treatments gave way to the use of healing herbs, barks and roots. The world’s first recorded prescriptions were etched on clay tablets in Mesopotamia around 2600 B.C., according to the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences History. During ancient times, the role of apothecaries (pharmacists) was complex. In some cultures, they served as a combination of doctor, apothecary and spiritual healer. As knowledge of the human body and its processes was limited during these early days, the practice of pharmacy was very experimental. Some medicines were ineffective or even contained ingredients that did more harm than good. In later periods, there was a desire for more specialization and formal education for the pharmacy profession.
In 1821, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy was established as the first college of pharmacy in North America. Today, there are more than 120 pharmacy schools across the nation. Modern-day education of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians is based on proven science and a thorough understanding of the human body. The practice of pharmacy has also evolved as a medical profession with strict regulations and standards to ensure that it supports health and safety.
Accessible professionals and lifesavers
As the pandemic continues, pharmacy professionals remain important to COVID-19 vaccination and caring for those infected with the virus. Pharmacists are some of the most accessible healthcare professionals in communities. Their expertise is invaluable and speaking with a pharmacist can make a big difference in helping a person understand a health issue or medication. Pharmacy technicians collect the information needed to fill prescriptions and package them. They also organize inventory and deal with payments and insurance claims. Technicians also serve in a customer service role by answering questions and helping connect people or facilities with their pharmacists.
Our deepest gratitude
Turenne PharMedCo Pharmacy Services is fortunate to have a great team of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Their hard work and dedication are vital to ensuring we can serve our customers with pride. We thank them for everything they do to make us a little bit better each day.
