Standing Together: Third Annual Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) recognize September 20 as the third annual Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day, launched in 2023 during Suicide Prevention Month. This day is dedicated to breaking stigma, raising awareness, and fostering conversations that can save lives.

Suicide remains the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 49,000 lives each year. Members of the pharmacy workforce are not immune, facing unique pressures that take a toll on their mental health. Research shows suicide rates among pharmacists in the United States are nearly double those of the general population, underscoring the broader mental health challenges facing health care professionals.

"Silence costs lives. Connection saves them," said Michael D. Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, executive vice president and CEO of APhA. "The recent losses within our community are heartbreaking reminders of the urgent need to support mental health and well-being. That is why Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day is so important—it shines a light on this crisis, breaks the silence, and encourages every member of our profession to look out for one another. Together, APhA and ASHP are committed to leading these efforts, providing resources, and building a culture of compassion and support across the pharmacy workforce—to ensure no one in our profession feels alone in their struggle."

"Providing the best care for our patients depends on the well-being of every pharmacist, resident, student pharmacist, and pharmacy technician," said ASHP CEO Paul W. Abramowitz, PharmD, ScD (Hon), FASHP. "Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day is a call to action to help prevent suicides within our profession through raising awareness, urging conversations, decreasing stigma, and building a culture where well-being is recognized as essential to how we practice and care for patients. United with our partners, ASHP is dedicated to ensuring that every member of the pharmacy workforce has the tools, resources, and support systems needed to thrive."

How You Can Take Action

• Explore ASHP's Suicide Awareness resources and APhA's Suicide Awareness resources.
• Sign on your organization as a supporting partner.
• Share the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

About ASHP
ASHP is the largest association of pharmacy professionals in the United States, representing 60,000 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 the 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
APhA is the only organization advancing the entire pharmacy profession. 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. For more information, visit pharmacist.com.

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SOURCE ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists)