NACDS honors AARP with 'Great Communicator' designation

ALEXANDRIA, Va. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores today designated the American Association of Retired Persons as a “Community Pharmacy Great Communicator.”

A recent AARP poll, published in the November issue of the AARP Bulletin, showed that pharmacists received outstanding “favorable” ratings among those surveyed. The poll revealed that 86 percent of respondents 50 and over, as well as 78 percent of respondents under 50, had a favorable opinion of pharmacists. Among respondents 50 and over, pharmacists garnered the highest favorable rating. The poll also rated various health care entities and providers.

The Community Pharmacy Great Communicator program was created to honor those who publicly highlight the value of community pharmacy. Pharmacists not only provide patients with medications, but also offer counseling to patients regarding drug interactions, generic equivalents and managing medication therapy, NACDS said. The AARP poll is consistent with other research indicating that pharmacists are widely considered one of the most trusted health care professionals in the nation.

NACDS president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson said that the organization “applauds AARP and the AARP Bulletin for its recognition of pharmacists and its support of quality health care.” He went on to add that, “The NACDS honorary ‘Great Communicator’ designation complements the association’s Rapid Response Program, through which it addresses inappropriate or inaccurate characterizations of community pharmacy.”