On October 19, Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey visited Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health to present the Pharmacy Week Proclamation in celebration of local pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians.
The American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) declared October 17-23, 2021, as the National Pharmacy Week to acknowledge the invaluable service pharmacists and technicians make to patient care in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare settings.
Mayor John Dailey presented the proclamation of Pharmacy Week being on October 17- 23, 2021 for the City of Tallahassee in support of the ASHP initiative to celebrate workers in the local community.
“Whereas the ASHP of Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Services, Institute of Public Health has declared October 17th through the 23rd as Pharmacy Week, now, therefore, I John Dailey, by the power invested in me as the Mayor of the City of Tallahassee, do hereby recognize October 17th through the 23rd, 2021 as Pharmacy Week in Tallahassee, Fl,” Dailey said.
The College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health is honored to take part in a monumental event that will further the exposure of FAMU’s Pharmacy program and provide an opportunity for deeper community engagement.
Gallop Franklin, visiting professor at FAMU College of Pharmacy and Clinical, expressed what the proclamation means to the college.
“It means a lot,” Franklin said. “It means the local city commission and the mayor support what impact pharmacy has on our community and institution, for our learning, for Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy, Institute of Public Health, and the impact we make in preparing the future pharmacists of America.”
Pharmacists have a significant role in administering COVID-19 vaccines and as front-line workers ensuring that patients are maintaining medication regimens and overall health. Dr. Jocelyn Spates, associate dean of clinical affairs and professor, shared the benefits of Pharmacy Week to highlight the substantial work of industry workers.
“Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have worked triple time trying to take care of patients who are sick, who have gotten COVID, as well as giving people the covid vaccine,” Spates said. “It’s just a moment in time to pause and recognize the wonderful work we’re doing.”
The pharmaceutical industry in Tallahassee will soon have more valuable opportunities for students as major corporations establish offices and distribution centers in the local area. Franklin gave insight on how he hopes to see the industry evolve over the next few years for local healthcare workers.
“Amazon is coming to Tallahassee and they have a lot of startups within the pharmaceutical space,” Franklin said. “So, there are going to be more opportunities for our students to stay locally and get plugged in through Amazon with it being a local presence.”
The College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Services, Institute of Public Health, ended the week of celebration with the White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2023.