The slogan, “make mental health & well-being for all a global priority” focuses on wide-scale reform of mental health services worldwide.

According to the WHO, 1 in 8 people globally were living with a mental disorder in 2019––a statistic that does not account for the negative mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, there were major disruptions in mental health services, widening the treatment gap that many patients faced.

Caring for patients’ mental health is becoming increasingly important. To gauge the mental health status of patients, surveys can be conducted while the patient is in the pharmacy for unrelated reasons.

It is equally as important for pharmacy staff to have training in mental health first aid and trauma-informed care.

This knowledge can help staff be able to recognize mental health crises and to treat patients with a history of trauma with the appropriate sensitivity.

Another important part of supporting patients’ mental health is working with relevant state associations and advocacy groups.

These groups play a key role in pharmacy innovation and advocacy andcan also help pass vital legislation.