As the healthcare landscape evolves, CVS Health is calling for a reimagined role for pharmacists in public health. This initiative, spearheaded by CVS Health’s Chief Pharmacy Officer, aims to leverage the trusted relationships pharmacists have with their communities to provide expanded healthcare services. The announcement comes amid a broader discussion on the future of pharmacy, highlighting the vital role pharmacists play in patient care.
During a recent visit to a CVS Pharmacy in Alabama, the Chief Pharmacy Officer spent time with Edwin, a local pharmacy manager. Edwin’s stories of the meaningful connections he has built with patients underscore the unique impact pharmacists have in their communities. These relationships are especially significant as public trust in the broader U.S. healthcare system wanes, yet trust in pharmacists remains robust.
Expanding Pharmacy’s Role in Health Care
According to CVS Health’s research, Americans increasingly rely on their community pharmacies, especially when primary care is inaccessible. The company has expanded services at its over 9,000 locations to include immunizations, illness testing, preventive screenings, and medication reviews. However, CVS Health believes there is more pharmacists can do and is advocating for public policy changes to enable these expanded services.
A key legislative focus is the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacy Services (ECAPS) Act of 2025. This proposed legislation would allow Medicare to cover pharmacist-led testing and services, a move that reflects the evolving role of pharmacies since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Balancing Technology and Human Connection
While technology plays a critical role in modern pharmacy operations, CVS Health emphasizes that it should not replace the personal connections pharmacists have with their patients. Many patients express a preference for in-person interactions, with nearly half indicating they would switch pharmacies if limited to online-only services.
To enhance patient experience while maintaining these relationships, CVS Health employs a technology-enabled approach. This includes digital tools that streamline administrative tasks, allowing pharmacists to focus more on patient care.
Investing in Future Generations of Pharmacists
The future of pharmacy also depends on cultivating the next generation of professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 13,000 pharmacist job openings annually, yet the number of graduates from PharmD programs is expected to be significantly lower. This gap highlights the need for investment in education and training.
CVS Health addresses this challenge by offering scholarships, tuition assistance, and training programs to encourage more students to pursue careers in pharmacy. This support is crucial as many pharmacy technicians aspire to become pharmacists but face financial barriers.
Engaging the Voices of Pharmacy Professionals
The insights and feedback from pharmacy professionals are invaluable in shaping the future of the industry. CVS Health encourages pharmacists to join state or national associations, mentor students, and engage in community outreach to strengthen trust and drive change.
Industry associations like the American Pharmacists Association and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy play pivotal roles in advocating for the profession. Together, these efforts aim to advance the role of pharmacists and ensure they continue to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities.
As CVS Health leads the charge in reimagining pharmacy, the collective voice of pharmacy professionals will be crucial in driving meaningful change. By working together, the profession can continue to evolve and adapt to the demands of modern healthcare.
