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Today is National Pharmacist Day, an annual opportunity to honor Retail Businesses Services pharmacy professionals who are dedicated to fostering healthy communities in partnership with the Ahold Delhaize USA local brands.

The Pharmacy Services team, led by VP John McGrath, serves in many roles, working closely with pharmacists in over 700 store locations, developing clinical programs, supporting business operations and ensuring regulatory compliance – including during the pandemic.

We asked Pharmacy Services colleagues to share some thoughts about their jobs on this special day, and why the pharmacy profession matters:

Q: How vital is the role of a pharmacist?
A: "The job is so much more than putting pills inside a bottle, labeling it, and then handing it out. Pharmacists are some of the most accessible healthcare providers in the community. Many give Americans direct access to somebody who is trained to recognize symptoms, recommend products and counsel you in medication without you having to make an appointment." – Sarah Jeneault, Clinical Program Specialist, Scarborough, Maine

Q: How do pharmacists impact the community outside of their traditional role?
A: "Ahold Delhaize USA brand pharmacies joined a drug pricing program that helps hospitals and underserved clinics in rural areas struggling with COVID-19. Our local brands are proud to be part of a program to help keep those covered entities afloat, and to provide access to medications for people who don't have insurance because they lost employment."
—Scott Brewster, 340B Program Manager, Salisbury, N.C.

Q: What can people do to recognize National Pharmacist Day?
A: "Next time you are in a store, take a moment, walk up to the pharmacy consultation window and let the pharmacist know that you appreciate all the extra effort they're putting into helping us get out of the pandemic. That can go a long way." – Malek Mediouni, Manager of Pharmacy Compliance, Scarborough, Maine

Q: What motivates you to continue in your role despite recent challenges?
A: "The frontline pharmacists at the store level inspire me every day because they continue to show up. They're working face to face [with the public] with masks, and they're keeping the wheels on the bus and going through all the risk." – Andrew Dum, Manager of Pharmacy Service Development, Carlisle, Pa.

What do pharmacists love most about their job?
"Programs that the RBS Healthcare team works on have an impact, whether it's on an associate or customers coming into brand stores." – Tracy O'Donnell, Pharmacy Process & Programs Specialist in Carlisle, Pa.

"Working with the five different brands. I came from The Giant Co., but it was interesting to learn about the other four brands and how we work together to come up with ideas." – Angela Passamonte, Clinical Program Specialist, Carlisle, Pa.

"My role has tentacles. I'm always learning and getting to work in different areas of the business." – Deanne Sargent, Manager of Service Development, Scarborough, Maine