Celebrating American Pharmacists Month (APhM)

Each October, we celebrate American Pharmacists Month nationwide. At the Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center (MiPDC), we recognize the essential roles and contributions pharmacists make to the health and well-being of individuals in communities across our country, including here in Michigan. Pharmacists at MiPDC play crucial roles that enhance the lives of those living and working throughout our state.

The American Pharmacists Association theme for APhM is “Caring for the Community.” Local pharmacists are often on the front lines, and we recognize their role in the health and overall well-being of individuals and communities. In recent years, we have witnessed pharmacists expand their roles beyond the pharmacy counter into direct patient care, like administering vaccines at local pharmacies. Additionally, pharmacists at poison centers contribute to patient care in varied ways.

Our Senior & Academic Director, Varun Vohra, Pharm.D., DABAT, MPH, not only leads the MiPDC but also acts as a clinical toxicology consultant, advocate, and champion for enhancing professional, legislative, and public understanding of poison-related issues affecting our state and beyond. Furthermore, ten pharmacists serve as Specialists in Poison Information (SPI) at the Poison Helpline at the MiPDC.

Over the past year, poison centers across the United States have handled over 2.4 million calls regarding various poison exposures. Close to 57 percent of these calls involve at least one drug. Like all SPIs at the MiPDC, our pharmacists are experts in poison-related exposures, and their backgrounds provide valuable insights into drug-related poisoning cases. Their expertise is highly valued, as most calls managed by our SPIs pertain to drug exposures.

The MiPDC deeply appreciates the hard work and commitment of all pharmacists at our center, healthcare facilities, and those who directly serve communities throughout our state and nation.

Thank you for your invaluable service from the Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center.