NACDS highlights pharmacies’ role during National Women’s Health Month

ARLINGTON, Va. — As National Women’s Health Month unfolds in May, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores is spotlighting the critical role pharmacies play in supporting women’s health and wellness while advocating for policies that preserve and expand access to pharmacy care nationwide.

Through its Nourish My Health initiative, NACDS and participating member pharmacies are emphasizing the growing importance of prevention-focused, connected care that supports women at every stage of life. The association said pharmacies continue to serve as one of the most accessible healthcare touchpoints for millions of Americans, offering guidance, screenings, counseling and individualized support close to home.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 45% of adult women have hypertension, and more than 41% have obesity, underscoring the need for accessible preventive care and chronic disease management services.

“Pharmacies play a critical role in helping women access the care and guidance they need to manage their health with confidence,” said Steven C. Anderson, president and CEO of NACDS. “The most accessible healthcare providers in the country, pharmacists are often the first point of contact for women seeking guidance, reassurance, and trusted clinical expertise. That proximity matters, and our member pharmacies are committed to being that trusted resource for women in every community.”

NACDS said member pharmacies are supporting women’s health in various ways during National Women’s Health Month and year-round. Those efforts include counseling and care resources focused on preventive health and chronic condition management, reproductive health guidance, pregnancy and postpartum support, and assistance during perimenopause and menopause.

Pharmacies are also helping connect women with registered dietitians and nutrition consultations tailored to changing health needs across different life stages, while offering evidence-based support during hormonal transitions and other complex health phases.

NACDS noted that nine in 10 Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy and that 84% of consumers say healthcare services offered through pharmacies are easy to access. The association said that the level of accessibility can play an important role in driving earlier intervention and improving long-term health outcomes for women.

The organization also used the month-long observance to call attention to policy priorities aimed at strengthening pharmacy care delivery. NACDS emphasized the need for fair reimbursement for pharmacy services, expanded pharmacist-provided care through federal legislation such as the Main Street Pharmacy Access Act, and additional rural health initiatives that broaden pharmacy capabilities in underserved communities.

“NACDS is proud to stand alongside our partners in prioritizing women’s health — driving toward a future defined by prevention, earlier intervention, and stronger outcomes,” Anderson said. “Pharmacies are on the front lines of that effort every day, offering convenient access to screenings, testing, and counseling that help women detect and address health concerns early — and policies should empower them to keep doing just that.”

Observed annually in May, National Women’s Health Month encourages women to prioritize preventive care, wellness and early detection. NACDS said its Nourish My Health initiative will continue promoting the role pharmacies play in delivering accessible and personalized care for women and families nationwide.