PHARMACIES across the country are being encouraged to take part in NAIDOC Week, with Pharmacy Guild Executive Director Suzanne Greenwood saying the annual celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be a "bright spot in what has otherwise been a pretty dim year".
Writing in the Guild's Forefront newsletter yesterday, Greenwood said the Guild would take the opportunity afforded by NAIDOC Week from 08-15 Nov to highlight the way community pharmacies work with First Nations peoples, particularly in regional, rural and remote communities.
"These pharmacies are going the extra mile in providing services to help address the documented poorer health outcomes experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," she said, noting that pharmacists are at the forefront of efforts to meet the needs of individual communities.
"As the most accessible health professionals, they have a unique role to play in addressing gaps and providing targeted services to improve the health outcomes of these Australians," Greenwood said.
She also noted that in more than 300 remote towns there is only one pharmacy, while in many cases the pharmacist is the only health professional in town.
"In these situations pharmacies are often the local hub for community healthcare services and general support for the local population, particularly for the elderly and unwell."
The Guild has also highlighted the experiences of two Indigenous pharmacy students, brother and sister Lillian and Louis Emery who have "found their culture and heritage to be major factors underpinning their enjoyment and success in their pharmacy careers".
See their stories at guild.org.au, and for more on how to celebrate NAIDOC Week see naidoc.org.au.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 05 Nov 20
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 05 Nov 20
