Socialized and Traumatized: Pharmacists, Underserved Patients, & the COVID-19 Vaccine

Riley, Angela C.; Wisseh, Cheryl; Campbell, Hope; Nonyel, Nkem; Butler, Lakesha; Shaw, Trishia

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention and awareness to existing health disparities in underrepresented minority communities. Not only were minoritized populations disproportionality negatively impacted by COVID19, but history of mistrust and other systemic barriers prevented access to treatment, testing, and even impacts access and acceptance of the current vaccines. Pharmacists are essential to the provision of care for the population, particularly during global crises. Minoritized pharmacists play an even greater role, as partners with public health officials to translate science and build trust in minoritized community members who are hesitant about vaccine development, safety, and efficacy. Dedicated to representing the views and ideals of minority pharmacists on critical issues affecting health care, the National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA) has been at the forefront of the pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, NPhA has prioritized the role of underrepresented practitioners, striving to improve awareness and access to underrepresented communities. While delivering education and information about the COVID-19 vaccine: clinical trials, population prioritization, and federal funding to our service areas and target populations, NPhA continues to challenge healthcare myths, address historical conflicts and systemic racism that often dictates the access to treatment and quality healthcare.