ARLINGTON, Va. — NACDS remains committed to cultivating meaningful community partnerships that strengthen the pipeline for diverse, skilled professionals to enter the pharmacy workforce — and to helping shape the future for licensed pharmacy technicians in the community pharmacy space.

On Wednesday, October 18, as part of this longstanding commitment, NACDS pharmacist team members Lauren Lyles-Stolz, PharmD, senior director of reimbursement, innovation and advocacy, and Lincy Abraham, PharmD, senior manager of federal and state pharmacy care, and former NACDS Executive Fellow Monet Stanford, PharmD, director of policy at the Association for Accessible Medicines, addressed senior students at Elizabeth Seton High School who recently completed the school’s Pharmacy Technician Program.

Since 2021, NACDS has united with Elizabeth Seton High School and their innovative Pharmacy Technician Program to prepare students for careers in the healthcare profession. Located in Bladensburg, MD, Elizabeth Seton High School is an all-female college preparatory school with its student population composed of seventy-two percent racial and ethnic minorities.

During the October 18 White Coat Ceremony, Dr. Lyles-Stolz, Dr. Abraham and Dr. Stanford spoke about the unique value of pharmacy education — and the vital role of the pharmacist and pharmacy technician in delivering accessible and trusted care to patients:

Dr. Lyles-Stolz said: “[In high school] I worked with compassionate community pharmacists who not only attended to patients’ clinical needs but also connected with patients on a personal level … Each chapter of my life, every experience that I share with you today revolves around showing up, staying hungry, and remaining humble. Whether it was realizing my passion for pharmacy during my early days as a technician, or venturing into these unknown territories of policy and advocacy, these principles and each experience has shaped my pharmacy journey.”

Dr. Abraham said: “I would like to congratulate you all today for reaching a memorable milestone in your life. Your passion and dedication to serving people and your communities is clearly recognized. By being in this room and taking the chance to pursue this path, you are already a step ahead in your professional journey. Whether you continue your work as a pharmacy technician or pursue a career as a pharmacist, or in the broader healthcare realm, you are making a difference in people’s daily lives.”

Dr. Stanford said: “This ceremony marks a significant step in a journey towards a noble profession. As pharmacy technicians, these young women are already an essential part of the healthcare system, and their role will evolve as the profession advances. These young scholars are embracing an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care, and that’s something to be proud of. Their white coats symbolize not only dedication to the field but also their commitment to patient well-being.”

The Elizabeth Seton Pharmacy Technician Program offers students basic knowledge about the practice of pharmacy, skills in pharmacology and the roles and responsibilities of a pharmacy technician.

Through the innovative program, students have the opportunity to work as externs with community-based and hospital pharmacies in the surrounding Metro DC area. Upon completion of externships, students are eligible to apply for Maryland State certification as a Pharmacy Technician.

This year, 56 seniors of Elizabeth Seton High School’s Pharmacy Technician Program received their white coats as future members of the healthcare profession. Nearly 65 are scheduled to participate in the school’s Pharmacy Technician Program in 2024.