National Pharmacist Day – Jan. 12, 2027

National Pharmacist Day
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CareerWork
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every January 12
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💊

National Pharmacist Day recognizes the invaluable contributions of pharmacists every January 12. These dedicated professionals are the backbone of our healthcare system, ensuring safe medication use and offering crucial health advice. Take a moment to thank your local pharmacist and learn more about their essential work.

Want to sponsor National Pharmacist Day? Learn how

Expected National Pharmacist Day Deals

On National Pharmacist Day, the focus shifts from commercial sales to heartfelt appreciation and recognition programs for these vital healthcare professionals. Many healthcare systems, hospitals, and independent pharmacies will host internal recognition events, offering special meals or small gifts to their staff. Retail chains like CVS Health and Walgreens may highlight their pharmacy teams on social media, encouraging customers to express gratitude. Professional organizations such as the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) will launch awareness campaigns, emphasizing the expanded roles pharmacists play in patient care. Some local businesses, particularly in healthcare-adjacent sectors, might offer special discounts or promotions for pharmacists presenting their professional ID. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 12 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Pharmacist Day

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalPharmacistDay. Share stories of pharmacists who have made a difference.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalPharmacistDay. Highlight the impact of pharmacists in your community.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalPharmacistDay. Post a thank you message to your favorite pharmacist.

Social Media Tips for National Pharmacist Day

Individuals

Take a moment to personally thank your pharmacist for their expertise and dedication. A simple 'thank you' can go a long way in recognizing their hard work.

Creators

Produce a short video or infographic highlighting the diverse roles pharmacists play, from medication management to immunization services and patient counseling. Use statistics to underscore their impact.

Brands

Healthcare brands or related businesses can launch an appreciation campaign, offering exclusive discounts or recognition programs for pharmacists. Partner with local pharmacies for in-store thank-you events.

Partners & Brands for National Pharmacist Day

  1. CVS Health

    Founded in 1963 in Lowell, Massachusetts, CVS Health is one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States. It plays a critical role in community health, offering prescription services, immunizations, and a wide range of health products.

  2. Walgreens

    Established in 1901 in Chicago, Illinois, Walgreens is another leading pharmacy chain. It serves millions of customers daily, providing essential pharmaceutical care and expanding into broader healthcare services.

  3. American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

    Founded in 1852, APhA is the first and largest national professional society of pharmacists in the United States. It advocates for the profession, promotes public health, and provides resources for its members.

  4. Rite Aid

    Originating in 1962 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Rite Aid is a prominent pharmacy chain known for its commitment to community health. It offers prescription fulfillment, over-the-counter medications, and various health and wellness services.

  5. GoodRx

    Founded in 2011, GoodRx is a digital health platform that helps Americans save money on prescription drugs. It empowers patients by providing price transparency and access to discounts, often working closely with pharmacists.

  6. Pfizer

    Established in 1849 in New York City, Pfizer is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. It develops and manufactures medicines and vaccines across a broad range of therapeutic areas, supporting pharmacists globally.

  7. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)

    Founded in 1942, ASHP represents pharmacists who practice in hospitals, health systems, and other organized healthcare settings. It is a leading advocate for advancing pharmacy practice and improving patient care.

National Pharmacist Day Hero

William Procter Jr.

Often hailed as the 'Father of American Pharmacy,' William Procter Jr. (1817–1874) was a pioneering pharmacist, educator, and author. He served as a professor at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy for over 30 years and was instrumental in establishing the American Pharmaceutical Association (now APhA). His work laid much of the foundation for modern pharmacy practice in the United States, emphasizing scientific rigor and professional ethics.

National Pharmacist Day timeline

​May 8, 1963
America's largest drug store made its debut

​CVS, the largest pharmacy in the U.S., employing 24,000 pharmacists, opened.

​​Sept. 28, 1928
The breakthrough antibiotic

​Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin.

754 AD
Ancient medicine

The first pharmacies were established, in Baghdad, during the Islamic Golden Age.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Pharmacist Day

Local businesses can honor National Pharmacist Day by offering special recognition to pharmacists in their community. Restaurants might provide discounts for pharmacists on January 12, while flower shops or gift retailers could create themed appreciation packages. Healthcare-focused businesses, such as medical supply stores or continuing education providers, could host free webinars or offer exclusive deals on professional development resources. The key is to acknowledge the essential role pharmacists play in public health.

National Pharmacist Day FAQs

When is National Pharmacist Day?

In 2027, National Pharmacist Day will be observed on Tuesday, January 12, continuing the tradition of honoring the vital contributions of pharmacists to public health and well-being.

How many pharmacists are there in the U.S.?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued demand for pharmacists, with hundreds of thousands actively working to dispense medications, provide clinical services, and educate patients nationwide.

What is the average salary of a pharmacist?

Pharmacists generally earn competitive salaries, reflecting the specialized knowledge and clinical expertise required for their profession. Entry-level positions may start lower, with significant growth potential over a career.

What is the difference between a pharmacist and a pharmacy technician?

Pharmacists are the primary healthcare professionals responsible for medication therapy management, including drug interactions and patient counseling. Pharmacy technicians perform supportive roles, ensuring the efficient operation of the pharmacy and adherence to safety protocols.

How to Observe National Pharmacist Day

  1. Thank a pharmacist in person

    During your next visit, be sure to thank your pharmacist for always being so reliable and helpful.

  2. Share some words

    Visit Twitter to post your thanks online. Be sure to use #NationalPharmacistDay.

  3. Post a photo

    Get online and share an image with the hashtag #APharmacistIs. Then click the hashtag to see the full portrait of pharmacists we create.

The 5 Most Commonly Prescribed Drugs In The U.S.

  1. ​Vicodin

    ​Treats your acute to severe pain.

  2. ​Simvastatin

    ​It's the generic Zocor and helps with high cholesterol.

  3. ​Lisinopril

    ​This generic Prinivil or Zestril helps prevent kidney failure, while treating congestive heart failure and high blood pressure.

  4. ​Levothyroxine

    ​The generic Synthroid treats hypothyroidism.

  5. ​Azithromycin

    ​This generic Z-PAK keeps us healthy during cold and flu season, treating ear, throat, and sinus infections.

Why National Pharmacist Day is Important

  1. It honors more than 300,000 employees

    There were approximately 316,500 pharmacists in the United States as of 2016. The profession continues to grow, up from less than 224,000 just 15 years prior.

  2. The profession is vital to our economy

    We need pharmacists to keep us healthy, which keeps businesses moving. American employers pay more than $260 billion each year for health-related work loss.

  3. They do much more than dispense medication

    Pharmacists can give us health advice and tips, including how to take multiple medications. They know about drug therapy effectiveness and can teach us about medical devices we use at home.

National Pharmacist Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 January 12 Tuesday
2028 January 12 Wednesday
2029 January 12 Friday
2030 January 12 Saturday
2031 January 12 Sunday