Congress Introduces Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day Resolution

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) applaud the introduction of a House of Representatives resolution recognizing Sept. 20 as Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day. Established in 2023 by ASHP and APhA during Suicide Prevention Month, the annual observance is dedicated to raising awareness, eliminating stigma, and fostering conversations that can save lives.

Suicide remains a significant public health challenge, with healthcare professionals among populations facing a higher risk. Recent research found that pharmacists remain at an increased risk of death by suicide and that female pharmacy technicians are also at elevated risk. These findings underscore the importance of bringing greater attention to the prevalence of suicide within the pharmacy profession while strengthening support systems that promote the well-being of the pharmacy workforce.

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians across community, health-system, and other practice settings face chronic understaffing, growing workloads, administrative burdens, frequent interruptions, aggressive performance expectations, and insufficient time for patient care. These pressures affect individual pharmacy professionals, patient safety, and the long-term health and sustainability of the profession. Addressing them is essential to creating workplaces where pharmacy professionals feel supported, can thrive, and are able to provide the safe, high-quality care their patients and communities depend on.

The resolution was introduced by Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA), and is cosponsored by Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Seth Moulton (D-MA), and Haley Stevens (D-MI).

"Our pharmacists work hard each day to ensure we are delivered the treatment and care we need," Congressman Tonko said. "They deserve to have their needs met, and that must include addressing any mental health challenges they may experience from their profession. I'm proud to be joined by Congresswoman Kiggans to designate September 20th National Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day. I'll keep pushing to ensure our healthcare workforce receives the same support, dedication, and compassion that they provide to their patients."

"The well-being of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, residents, and student pharmacists is essential to our profession and to the care we provide patients every day," said Samuel V. Calabrese, MBA, RPh, CPEL, FASHP, executive vice president and CEO of ASHP. "The losses experienced within our profession are heartbreaking reminders that supporting mental health and well-being must remain a priority for all of us. We are encouraged to see members of Congress recognize Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day and help bring greater attention to the challenges facing the pharmacy workforce and healthcare professionals more broadly. Together with our partners, ASHP remains committed to fostering a culture of well-being and ensuring members of the pharmacy workforce have access to the resources and support they need."

"I'm deeply grateful for Congress's recognition of Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day and for our partners across the profession who continue to advance this vital work. At the heart of this resolution are pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists whose lives and well-being matter deeply to our profession. Awareness is important, but it must lead to action," said Michael Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, executive vice president and CEO of APhA. "Pharmacists and other pharmacy professionals deserve to have the resources, support and autonomy to practice at the top of their education, training and abilities. We must tackle the underlying root causes in practice that are leading to serious moral distress leading to loss of hope. We owe it to our colleagues to focus on system solutions."

The resolution has also received support from over 40 other national and state organizations committed to suicide prevention and advancing workforce well-being.

The introduction of the House resolution marks an important milestone in raising awareness of mental health challenges facing the pharmacy workforce. Unfortunately, pharmacy is not the only health profession disproportionately affected by suicide. This effort provides an opportunity to amplify broader conversations about healthcare workforce mental health, well-being, and suicide prevention. We stand in solidarity with physicians, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team who have also been impacted by this crisis. Through collaborative efforts with the Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation and other healthcare partners, we are helping to bring a unified voice to this critical issue.

About ASHP 
ASHP is the largest association of pharmacy professionals in the United States, representing over 65,000 pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in all patient care settings, including hospitals, ambulatory clinics, and health-system community pharmacies. For over 80 years, ASHP has championed innovation in pharmacy practice, advanced education, and professional development, and served as a steadfast advocate for members and patients. In addition, ASHP is an accrediting body for pharmacy residency and technician training programs and provides comprehensive resources to support pharmacy professionals through every stage of their careers. For more information, visit ashp.org and ASHP's consumer website, SafeMedication.com. Learn more about ASHP's public awareness campaign at yourpharmacist.org. 

About APhA
Founded in 1852, APhA is the only organization advancing the entire pharmacy profession. From its headquarters in Washington, DC, APhA leads the pharmacy profession by supporting pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in their role optimizing medication use and patient health outcomes and ensuring patients have access to pharmacists' care. We do this through our strong and effective advocacy, top notch education, practice tools and resources, dissemination of evidence, and opportunities for members to engage and learn from each other. APhA is the pharmacy voice at the table in developing national guidelines, policies, and best practices that advance the profession and patient care. To learn more, visit www.pharmacist.com.

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SOURCE ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists)