EMERGING TREND REVOLUTIONIZING WELLNESS THROUGH UNITY AND LEADERSHIP


RALLYING THE TROOPS: THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP


IN PHARMACY Dr. Jordyn Nordé, PharmD, MBA, President & Founder, Saint Louis Black Pharmacists Association, Inc., Pharmacist in Charge, RXO Community Pharmacy


I


recently learned the term “NPCs” or non- player characters— like the background characters in video games– scripted, predictable, unengaged. T is made me think about our role as pharmacists. We possess the knowledge and skills to


be leaders in healthcare, capable of driving signifi cant changes and positively impacting patient outcomes. Yet, too oſt en, we are too quiet. Talented but hesitant to disturb the status quo, thus, accepting less than we deserve, almost like NPCs in our own professional lives. Here’s a wake-up call: We are doctors!


Our roles have evolved signifi cantly, and it’s time we embrace a crucial aspect of our profession—community leadership. We must be bold, question existing norms, take decisive action, and advocate for our integral role in patient care.


T e Heartbeat of Healthcare Let’s start by acknowledging that


pharmacists are oſt en the fi rst and most accessible healthcare professionals for many, presenting unique opportunities to serve as frontline resources for health advice and intervention. By implementing wellness initiatives, like smoking cessation programs, nutritional counseling, and mental wellness workshops, we utilize our expertise to champion health in our communities. T is proactive approach elevates patient care and redefi nes the pharmacy as a pivotal center


for health promotion and disease prevention. Imagine your pharmacy as a wellness center where prevention is as crucial as treatment– this is community leadership.


Educate, Engage, Empower Education is a cornerstone of community


leadership for us as pharmacists, for our colleagues, and especially our patients. It’s about keeping up-to-date with the latest pharmaceutical research, health policies, and the needs of our community. We position ourselves as key educators by developing and attending workshops that introduce innovative treatments, patient-care strategies and reinforce best practices. Engagement with our community is


just as vital. Simple acts like hosting Q&A sessions, organizing health screenings, or participating in local fairs—what I like to call “fi lling the gap”—are powerful. T ese activities build trust and open lines of communication, enhancing the understanding of medications and treatment plans. Being visible and active, whether speaking at a school, sharing on social media, or leading public health seminars, amplifi es our impact and promotes health literacy. Perhaps our greatest role as leaders


is empowering our community to take control of their health. T rough consistent, transparent, and compassionate interactions, we enable people to feel supported and


make informed health decisions confi dently. By providing accessible, patient-friendly information and maintaining a dynamic online presence, we empower our patients to advocate for their health and that of their families. T is empowerment is our most profound contribution as community leaders.


Unity in the Profession Pharmacists are oſt en at the heart


of healthcare, where our decisions can signifi cantly impact lives. As the healthcare landscape rapidly evolves, unity within the pharmacy profession is not just a loſt y goal; it’s a necessity. T is means coordinating eff orts to tackle community health challenges, sharing knowledge, and pooling resources to create a cohesive strategy for health promotion and professional growth. Pharmacy associations help facilitate


unity and are powerhouses of resources and support. Get involved by attending conferences, contributing to policy discussions, and taking on leadership roles within these organizations. Such participation will broaden your professional network, open doors to educational and scholarship opportunities, and strengthen your leadership skills. When I founded Saint Louis Black


Pharmacists Association, it was with a clear mission: to bridge the diversity gap in pharmacy and equip students of color


12 Missouri PHARMACIST | Volume 98, Issue II | Summer 2024


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