Community pharmacists play a prominent role in communities nationwide. There are over 62,000 community pharmacy locations nationwide serving as the “front door” to our profession. Nearly all Americans (89%) live within 5 miles of a community pharmacy, making community pharmacies the most readily available access point for health care in the United States.1 For nearly 20 years, schools of pharmacy have trained all graduates to be practitioners, leaders, and collaborators with other health professions. Yet, the business model and technology supporting community pharmacy practice have maintained a significant focus on the dispensing of drug products. This has often led to a disconnect within the profession and to undervaluing the role and potential of pharmacists in the community.
