Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), who has a background in pharmacy, introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to designate October 2025 as American Pharmacists Month. The resolution aims to recognize pharmacists for their role in providing patient care that is safe, accessible, and affordable.
“The work that pharmacists do is vital to the health of not only our patients and communities, but also our entire system of care. It is crucial that we give them the support and recognition they deserve, and this resolution is a step toward fulfilling that duty. Thank you to the honorable men and women who choose to work in this profession and put others before themselves,” said Rep. Carter.
Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), a cosponsor of the resolution, stated: “October is American Pharmacists Month, a time to recognize the pharmacy professionals who keep our communities healthy every day. As a pharmacist, I know firsthand how often patients rely on their local pharmacy for immunizations, medication management, chronic disease counseling, and trusted advice close to home. Working alongside Congressman Buddy Carter, I am proud to honor the millions of pharmacy team members whose commitment improves outcomes and expands access to care for families across America. This month, we say thank you and we recommit to policies that empower pharmacists to practice at the top of their license so patients receive safer, more convenient, and more affordable care.”
The initiative has received endorsements from several organizations representing pharmacists and pharmacy owners.
Steve Hoffart, Chairman of American Pharmacies and owner of Magnolia Pharmacy, commented: “American Pharmacies applauds Congressman Buddy Carter’s leadership in recognizing October 2025 as American Pharmacists Month — and for leading the way on the legislative reforms pharmacies and patients need. On behalf of our nearly 750 independent pharmacies across 38 states, we see every day how pharmacists deliver safe, accessible, and affordable care in their communities. We urge Congress to follow his lead and enact comprehensive PBM reforms that curb anticompetitive practices, bring transparency to reimbursement, and fairly value the care pharmacies provide. These changes are essential to preserving independent pharmacies and the patient access and public-health benefits they make possible.”
Steven C. Anderson, President & CEO of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores said: “During American Pharmacists Month, we celebrate the pharmacists who care for our communities every day — delivering medication counseling, necessary services, chronic disease support, and trusted guidance in neighborhoods across America. To unlock the full value pharmacists provide, we urge policymakers to enhance Americans’ access to pharmacist services and to enact meaningful PBM reform. With these common-sense policies, Americans can have timely access to the care they need and expect — when and where they need it.”
B. Douglas Hoey, CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association added: “We are grateful to Representative Carter for introducing this resolution to recognize the contributions of pharmacists in their communities. Pharmacists are integral members of the communities in which they work, live, and serve their neighbors. For many patients, they are often the most accessible health care providers,” said B. Douglas Hoey.“Pharmacists provide vital healthcare services to their communities. They are medication experts who provide valuable counseling, critical health screenings, and a range of services that save lives, extend lives, and improve the quality of life especially in underserved communities. Rep. Carter is a long-time community pharmacist,and he knows first-hand how important pharmacists are to their local communities and the country’s healthcare system.We appreciate his commitment to our professionandthe patients we serve.”
Tom Kraus,Vice Presidentof government relations at American Societyof Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP), remarked:“ASHP thanks Representatives Carterand Harshbargerfor sponsoring H.Res 805 Recognizing October 2025 as ‘American Pharmacists Month.’ ASHP appreciates therecognitionofthe essentialaccess tocarea ndcriticalrolepharmacistsplayinpatientcare.”
Al Carter Executive Director / CEOof National Associationof Boards Of Pharmacy(NABP) said:“Aswe celebrateAmericanPharmacistsMonth,Iamproudtorecognizethededicationandexpertiseofpharmacistsacrossthenationwhoplayacriticalroleinprotectingpublichealthandensuringsafemedicationpractices.WethankRep.Carterforintroducingthisresolutionwhichhighlightsthetirelesscommitmentofpharmacistsacrossthecountrywhomakeaprofoundimpactintheircommunitieseveryday.”
Rep.BuddyCarterhasrepresentedGeorgia’s1stdistrictsince2014,havingwonmultipleelectionswithmajorityvotesincludinghisvictoryoverPattiHewittin2024with62%ofthevote,andpreviouswinsagainstWadeHerring(2022),JoyceGriggs(2020),LisaRing(2018),andBrianReese(2014).
