#United States #mental health #Washington #ASHP #Pharmacy Awareness

Standing Together: Third Annual Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) have declared September 20 as the third annual Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day. Launched in 2023 during Suicide Prevention Month, this initiative is dedicated to confronting the stigma associated with mental health issues and encouraging vital discussions that could potentially save lives.

Suicide continues to be the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in more than 49,000 fatalities each year. The pharmacy workforce is not exempt from these troubling statistics, as professionals in this field face unique challenges that can adversely affect their mental well-being. According to recent data, suicide rates among pharmacists in the U.S. are nearly twice that of the general population, which highlights the pressing mental health issues faced by health care workers today.

Michael D. Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, who serves as executive vice president and CEO of APhA, stated, "Silence costs lives. Connection saves them. The recent losses within our community are heartbreaking reminders of the urgent need to support mental health and well-being. This is why Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day holds such significance—it brings light to this crisis, breaks the silence around it, and encourages members of our profession to care for one another. Together, APhA and ASHP are committed to leading these efforts by providing necessary resources and creating a culture of empathy and support across the pharmacy landscape."

Supporting these sentiments, Paul W. Abramowitz, PharmD, ScD (Hon), FASHP, CEO of ASHP, emphasizes that delivering the best care to patients is intrinsically linked to the well-being of all pharmacists, students, and pharmacy technicians. "Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day serves as a call to action to prevent suicides in our profession by raising awareness, urging open conversations, reducing stigma, and cultivating a culture that recognizes mental health as paramount in how we practice and care for our patients. With the collaboration of our partners, ASHP is committed to ensuring each member of the pharmacy workforce has the necessary tools, resources, and support systems to thrive."

How You Can Take Action

1. Explore Resources: Check out ASHP's and APhA's resources dedicated to suicide awareness.
2. Become a Partner: Sign your organization up as a supporting partner in this initiative.
3. Spread the Word: Share the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visiting 988lifeline.org.

About ASHP

The ASHP stands as the largest association of pharmacy professionals in the United States, representing 60,000 pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians across various patient care settings, including hospitals and community pharmacies. For more than 80 years, ASHP has advocated for advancement in pharmacy practices, education, and professional development. They are also the accrediting body for pharmacy residency and technician training programs, and they provide robust resources to support pharmacy professionals throughout their careers. For further details, visit ashp.org or view ASHP’s consumer website at SafeMedication.com.

About APhA

APhA proudly represents the entire pharmacy profession, advocating for pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians involved in optimizing medication use and enhancing patient health outcomes. Through advocacy, education, and resources, APhA ensures that patients have access to the care provided by pharmacists. The organization plays a critical role in the development of national guidelines and policies that influence the profession. To learn more, visit pharmacist.com.