Undoubtedly, the now common combination of the terms “pharmacy” and “supply chain” tends to serve as a harbinger of bad news. Medication material shortages are nothing new to the practice of hospital pharmacy, but disruptions to entire health-care-related supply chains have ballooned during the pandemic with no clear end in sight. Accordingly, rare is the day that pharmacy leadership is presented with a full complement of what were once considered normal operating tools, leaving many to scramble in finding alternatives, only to be met with further delays and outright stonewalls. These conditions add to the strain on pharmacy practitioners to perform their duties as expected. Yet, you persist.

In reading this, perhaps you will note a slight change in the texture of the paper in your hands. And given your experiences of the last two years, it will likely come as no surprise to learn that supply chain disruptions have become nearly universal. That our harbingers of bad news involve paper manufacturing operations in Finland (or the lack thereof) serves as a small reminder of how truly broad these problems have become. In order to bring this issue of Pharmacy Purchasing & Products to our readers, we too have had to scramble to find alternatives. And yet, inspired as we always are by the selfless and tireless efforts of pharmacy leaders like you, we persist.

In the nearly 20 years of publishing PP&P, we have followed the lead of pharmacy practitioners in pushing the limits of what is considered possible, as that is what is demanded for your patients, and we demand it of ourselves. Though severely tested, our confidence in the future has not waned, due in large part to the astonishing commitment of pharmacy leaders to their trade, their patients, and to themselves to do the right thing. We have not encountered many pharmacy directors who are in their positions because of other reasons. And so, we will not stop our efforts to support you in any ways we can.

The best way to enable us to do so is to periodically confirm that your contact information and subscription status are up to date. As pharmacy practitioners, your access to PP&P content is always free, we simply need you to confirm your interest. Visit pppmag.com/subscribe today, where just a minute or two will ensure your continued access to the print and digital resources you need.

We will overcome our own challenges and continue to be inspired by your work. If there are ways in which we can do so that we have not, please do not hesitate to reach out. We encourage any and all feedback.

With great regard and respect,

R. Mitchell Halvorsen

Publisher