Author: Chris

National Pharmacist Day is observed this year on January 12. Pharmacists in the United States and around the world have a long history of invaluable contributions.

In the past, pharmacists have provided drugs to doctors for medication for their patients. Now, however, pharmacists are viewed as one of the most trustworthy professionals in America, and an integral part of a person’s healthcare team. They have many important roles.

• They advise providers on the selection, dosages, interactions and side effects of prescriptions.
• They answer patients’ questions about the drugs prescribed to them.
• They administer a variety of immunizations to the public.
• They monitor a patient’s health and healing progress.

Want some interesting facts about pharmacists? These are just a few interesting historical tidbits about pharmacists and the pharmaceutical profession.

• Ever wonder why British mystery writer Agatha Christie knew so much about poisons for her murder mysteries? She was a pharmacy dispenser in World War I.
• Do you love Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr Pepper, or Ginger Ale? Then thank a pharmacist — a pharmacist was the inventor of each.
• Before he got into national politics, Vice President Hubert Humphrey (1911-1978) earned his pharmacy license and worked in his father’s drugstore in Minnesota.
• William Proctor (1817-1874) is considered the Father of Pharmacy. He dedicated his professional career to the science of pharmacology and wrote the first textbook on the science of pharmacy.
• National Pharmacist’s Day was first celebrated in 2005 to show appreciation to pharmacists despite being around for centuries.

Pharmacists play a key role in the American healthcare system and are among the most trusted of healthcare professions. That trust has been earned over more than two centuries.

When you next go to your corner pharmacy for a prescription refill, a flu shot or to find something to relieve the pain of that wasp sting, remember to thank your local pharmacist for the role they play in your everyday healthcare.

The new year is here! We at VDH want to help you embark on the new year by offering some helpful tips to get healthy and stay healthy.

🧼 Wash your hands regularly. Washing your hands is the best way to prevent disease. Always remember to wash with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

🍅 Make healthier food choices. Fill your plate with colorful foods, like fruits and vegetables, and eat a balanced diet.

💪 Get some exercise. Gentle exercise, like walking or yoga, is good for most people. Of course, check with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about starting an exercise program.

💧 Drink more water. It’s important to keep hydrated. Dehydration can cause unclear thinking, mood changes, and even kidney stones. Daily water intake is mostly from water and other beverages, but water-rich foods can also add to fluid intake.

💤 Get enough sleep. Most adults need 7-8 hours of restful sleep a night, but your sleep needs will change depending on your age. Make rest a priority. Your body and brain will thank you!

🚫 Look for ways to quit using tobacco and other forms of nicotine. Quit Now Virginia has resources to help.

Here’s to a happy and healthy new year from all of us at VDH.  

The Virginia State Anatomical Program (VSAP) provides the opportunity to give the ultimate gift, which is donating your body to medical science. The primary mission of VSAP is to educate health professions by providing human donors for the teaching of anatomy, surgery and medical research to the Commonwealth’s medical schools, universities and research facilities. Established in 1919, VSAP is the only program in Virginia authorized to receive donations of human bodies for scientific study. VSAP does not receive state funding, nor does it pay for donated bodies.

Whole-Body Donation

Your gift will improve the lives of Virginians by:

1. Furthering medical education and scientific research.
2. Learning from disease processes and their effects on the human body.
3. Contributing to new surgical treatments.
4. Improving surgical outcomes.
5. Providing your family with an option to alleviate burial and cremation costs.

Candidates for Donation

1. Donors for VSAP must have legal next of kin or an authorized agent to finalize donation.
2. Donors must be free from contagious diseases.
3. All potential donors are assessed and handled on a case-by-case basis.
4. Unfortunately, not all potential donors are accepted. Some medical conditions or circumstances of death may cause a potential donor to be unsuitable for anatomical examination.

The need for anatomical donors is great and the number of healthcare educational programs in Virginia is increasing.

For information on the Virginia State Anatomical Program and how the process works, visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/vsap. 

“Abundant gratitude for this gift which was so dear to you and your family. I am humbled to learn from your worldly vessel. Your selflessness and vulnerability carry your legacy beyond your time. I will treasure this experience so that your impact on the world will persist.”

Excerpt from, “A Patient and Professor,”

written by a University of Virginia Medical School student.

Time is one of the most valuable resources we have. This Giving Tuesday, choose to spend your time where you will have the most impact in the lives of others—volunteer with the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps (VA MRC)!

The VA MRC is a statewide network of volunteers that support ongoing public health initiatives. They help during disasters and emergencies throughout Virginia.

Virginia MRC volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and span a wide range of ages. No medical knowledge or experience is required to become a volunteer. Participating in this program is a great way to:

• explore a career in public health,
• gain hands-on experience,
• obtain service hours,
• build your resume, or
• simply help make a difference in your community.

As a member of the Virginia MRC, you’ll receive free lifesaving training and learn about public health and emergency preparedness. You’ll attend exciting community events and, best of all, make new friends.

A few of the ways the Virginia MRC volunteers have supported public health and served their communities are:

• Supporting community vaccination events for seasonal flu, COVID, and back-to-school vaccines.
• Responding to emergencies, such as Hurricane Helene, by staffing emergency shelters, providing Tetanus and hepatitis A vaccines at mobile vaccination clinics, and conducting wellness checks for vulnerable individuals.
• Addressing the opioid addiction crisis by teaching naloxone dispensing classes and staffing Drug Take Back events.
• Teaching CPR, AED, and bleeding control skills to community members.
• Staffing first aid tents at local marathons, 10K races, and other community events.
• Providing administrative assistance to their local health departments.
• Staffing call centers to answer inbound calls, or to make outbound calls as needed.

The opportunities are endless! Some of the newest opportunities include our Behavioral Health Response Team, Radiological Health Response Team, or the MRC Amateur Radio Team.

Don’t hesitate to make an impact. Start your volunteer application today! Need more information? Learn more about the VA MRC or review our FAQs.