10/07/2025
October is National Pharmacy Month and offers a moment to reflect on the profession of pharmacy and its impact on healthcare. Pharmacy had its start during the Colonial Era where apothecaries (early pharmacists) often doubled as physicians, surgeons, or general storekeepers and medicines were compounded by hand using imported ingredients or local herbs. Fast-forwarding to the 21st century, the profession has advanced in ways too numerous to name and is being constantly transformed by advances in genomics, biotechnology, and AI. With every advancement and technological breakthrough, the mission of those working in the profession of pharmacy has not waivered and remains the same – to promote the health and well-being of individuals and communities by ensuring the safe, effective, and ethical use of medications, advancing pharmaceutical knowledge, and providing patient-centered care. This is the mission that the Hiram W. Davis Medical Center Pharmacy Department upholds as we provide pharmaceutical services to Central State Hospital (CSH) and Hiram W. Davis Medical Center (HWDMC). Our team of dedicated professionals strive to make lasting positive impacts on the patients and residents we serve, and we remain resolute in fulfilling the vision of OneDBHDS by providing pharmaceutical excellence through clinically safe, fiscally responsible, and patient centered outcomes for all Virginians. The third week of October each year is a time we proudly celebrate National Hospital and Health-System Pharmacy Week. This week is set aside to recognize the outstanding contributions of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who serve in hospitals and health systems across the country. Our pharmacy team consists of highly skilled pharmacists who deliver comprehensive pharmaceutical care to a diverse patient population. From psychiatric and forensic patients at CSH to medically complex individuals at HWDMC, our team ensures that medication therapy is tailored, monitored, and optimized for every patient. We also consist of dedicated, skilled, and compassionate pharmacy technicians who are essential to the success of our pharmacy services and serve as the backbone of our department. They work tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front lines to accurately prepare medications, manage inventory and ensure medication availability, and support pharmacists in clinical and administrative tasks. Our dynamic team is rounded out by the dedicated and committed individual who serves as our primary delivery driver whose utmost responsibility is ensuring the safe, secure, timely, and accurate delivery of medications.
We ask that you take a moment this month to thank our pharmacy team. Whether it’s a kind word, a note of appreciation, or participating in Pharmacy Week activities, your support means the world. Let’s celebrate the people who ensure that every dose counts and that every patient matters!
