Tonko, Kiggans Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day

WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Jen Kiggans (VA-2) announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution designating September 20th as “Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day” and recognizing the need to reduce mental health stigma and improve access to mental health services. Across the United States, nearly 800,000 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians provide essential care and medication services to patients across community pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. The pharmacy workforce experiences significant levels of occupational fatigue given systemic staffing shortages, administrative hurdles, and workplace threats and violence. Suicide rates amongst pharmacists are 20 per 100,000, which is greater than the general population of 12 per 100,000. “Our pharmacists work hard each day to ensure we are delivered the treatment and care we need,” Congressman Tonko said . “They deserve to have their needs met, and that must include addressing any mental health challenges they may experience. I’m proud to be joined by Congresswoman Kiggans to designate September 20th National Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day. I’ll keep pushing to ensure our healthcare workforce receives the same support, dedication, and compassion that they provide to their patients.” “The men and women working in the healthcare space are tasked with long and trying schedules, and pharmacists are no exception. As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I understand how important it is to ensure healthcare professionals have the mental and emotional support they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Rep. Kiggans. With over 30% of the pharmacy workforce experiencing significant levels of distress leading to depression, anxiety, and fatigue, I’m proud to join Congressman Tonko in recognizing September 20th as National Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day. Our pharmacists dedicate their careers to helping others and we have a responsibility to make sure they have the resources they need to care for themselves.” “APhA is deeply grateful to Reps. Tonko and Kiggans for introducing this resolution and elevating the mental health and well-being of the pharmacy workforce,” said Michael Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, executive vice president and CEO of APhA. “Every death by suicide is a heartbreaking loss to families, colleagues, patients, and our profession. This resolution challenges all of us to look more broadly at the conditions contributing to burnout, psychological distress, and isolation. APhA is committed to working with congress and our partners across pharmacy to create environments where pharmacists and pharmacy professionals feel supported and can thrive.” "We are grateful for the leadership of Reps. Tonko and Kiggans for introducing this resolution. Today marks an important step in broadening awareness of the mental health needs and prevalence of death by suicide within our profession. ASHP is proud to partner with members of Congress and other pharmacy organizations in prioritizing the well-being of our workforce,” said Samuel V. Calabrese, MBA, RPh, CPEL, FASHP, Executive Vice President and CEO of ASHP The bill is endorsed by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) & American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Representatives Hayley Stevens (MI-11), Buddy Carter (GA-1), Jonathan Jackson (IL-1), Diana Harshbarger (TN-1), Seth Moulton (MA-6), and Don Bacon (NE-2) joined the Congressman as original cosponsors. The text of the resolution can be viewed HERE .