BC Pharmacy Association

It’s National Immunization Awareness Week! This week highlights the vital role vaccines play in protecting public health—and the essential role pharmacists play in delivering them. Last fall alone, community pharmacists in B.C. administered 2.1 million flu and COVID‑19 vaccines (Oct 2025–Jan 2026). Thank you to our community pharmacists for keeping our communities healthy. Join us in raising awareness this week! #NIAW2026 #VaccinesWork #CommunityPharmacy

2026 Annual Conference Speaker Highlight: M. Jane Xia Assistant Professor of Teaching, University of British Columbia “Beyond the Shot: How B.C. Pharmacists can Drive HPV Cancer Prevention” HPV-related cancers are largely preventable, and pharmacists are uniquely positioned to close the gap. This session grounds participants in the cancer burden of HPV, the current immunization landscape in B.C., and the latest BCCDC guidelines. It moves from evidence to practice: practical counselling approaches for diverse populations, strategies for addressing hesitancy, and integration of HPV prevention into everyday pharmacy workflow. The goal is to equip pharmacists not just to vaccinate, but to understand that they have the power to change the HPV-related cancer outcomes. Join us at our 2026 Annual Conference for this session — with more speakers to be announced soon! Register now: bcpharmacy.ca/conference

Our 2026 Annual Conference is two weeks away! Not able to travel to Vancouver for an in-person conference May 1 and May 2? Join us virtually for our annual conference. Members get an exclusive deal to attend our two-day event virtually for free. Non-members pay only $50 for 2 full days of speakers. Both virtual and in-person attendees are able to earn up to 10.5 accredited CEUs. Registration deadline: Thursday, April 30 at 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time. bcpharmacy.ca/conference/vir…

Congratulations to @jameson_654, our $200 gift card winner, who gave a shout‑out to Pharmasave Mt. Pleasant for Pharmacy Appreciation Month—thank you for recognizing the important role your pharmacy team plays in the community. 💙 And thank you to everyone who took part in our gift card draw and shared their appreciation for pharmacy professionals across the province. #PharmacyAppreciationMonth #CommunityPharmacy #PharmacyProfessionals

Congratulations to BCPhA Board Member and Pharmacy Manager, Alex Dar Santos on the opening of a new pharmacy care clinic at @ShopprsDrugMart #2237 (Cambie & No. 5 Road) in Richmond! This innovative clinic represents an important step forward in expanding access to care for the community. Alex is pictured in the first photo with Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, marking this meaningful milestone. #PharmacyCare #CommunityHealth #RichmondBC

2026 Annual Conference Speaker Highlight: Ajit Johal Founder and Clinical Director, Immunize.io “Scope to Impact: Turning B.C.’s Expanded Pharmacist Practice into Better Patient Outcomes” This practical session demonstrates real-world implementation of BC pharmacists’ expanded scope through measurable community pharmacy models. Case-based examples include proactive respiratory vaccination programs, pharmacist-initiated renal monitoring in diabetes, and medication reviews for patients living with mental illness. Participants will learn workflow design, documentation strategies, and interprofessional collaboration approaches that translate scope authority into sustainable, everyday clinical care. Join us at our 2026 Annual Conference for this session — with more speakers to be announced soon! Register now: bcpharmacy.ca/conference

Happy Pharmacy Appreciation Month to the @Safeway Westview Pharmacy team! From left to right: Irelda, Bonnie, Guissou, Sandip, Sanaz “Our pharmacy team is proud to serve our community based on trust and long‑standing relationships. We love seeing our loyal customers during their grocery shopping and having the chance to check in and support their health. In the past year alone, we have delivered over 4,000 publicly funded injections — a reflection of our commitment to accessible, professional care with a personal touch.” - Sandip Bains Thank you to the Safeway Westview team for your dedication and outstanding community care. 💙 #PharmacyAppreciationMonth #BCPharmacy #CommunityCare

⏳ Early‑bird pricing ends tonight at 11:59 PM! Don’t miss your last chance to save up to $200 on registration for the BCPhA 2026 Annual Conference — and be automatically entered to win 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points! Join us May 1–2 at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver for two days of inspiring speakers, a vibrant tradeshow, and our Excellence in Pharmacy Awards gala. Secure your spot now — and remember to book your discounted hotel rate. 👉 Register today: bcpharmacy.ca/conference #BCPharmacy #PharmacyConference #EarlyBird

Thank you to Pharmacy Manager Justin Dovale at Two Nice Guys Pharmacy in Kelowna, B.C., for sharing this photo of himself (right) and pharmacist Sahil Ahuja! Here they are celebrating the 5th anniversary of their pharmacy. Justin’s team is known for their warm, community‑focused approach — going above and beyond to make pharmacy care more personal, more accessible, and truly centred on the people they serve. From supporting patients through day‑to‑day health needs to being active contributors in their community, they’re committed to creating a pharmacy experience that feels welcoming and genuinely supportive. Happy #PharmacyAppreciationMonth to Justin, Sahil, and the entire Two Nice Guys Pharmacy team! 💙

We recently reconnected with Pourya Eslami, Pharmacy Manager at YNP Dunbar Pharmacy — seen here with his mother and colleague, Nora. 💙 Here’s what Pourya shared for Pharmacy Appreciation Month: “During Pharmacy Appreciation Month, I’d like to acknowledge the backbone of every pharmacy: the wonderful people who help pharmacists care for their patients every day. At YNP Dunbar Pharmacy, I’m grateful to work alongside a team that embodies kindness, professionalism, and dedication to our community. And in my case, those helping hands are also the same hands that raised me.” A heartfelt message and a reminder of the people behind the counter who make pharmacy care possible. #PharmacyAppreciationMonth #BCPharmacy #CommunityCare

Thank you to Robert (Bob) Hays, Pharmacy Manager at @Safeway in Prince Rupert, B.C., for sharing this photo of his team — and for the wonderful write‑up below! “Below is a photo of my incredible team who look after patients at the end of the Trans‑Canada Highway in the rainiest city in Canada. The weather can’t wipe the smiles off these amazing people who provide local pharmacy services as well as to Lax Kw’alaams, Gitga’at, Kitkatla, and Metlakatla. Pictured are assistants Anas Kasim, Danica Cam, Christina DeLima, and Caleb Overton, along with pharmacist Long Nguyen — and a selfie by Pharmacy Manager Bob Hays. Both Long and I have travelled to these surrounding communities multiple times by boat, ferry, and seaplane to provide medication reviews and immunizations in these remote areas. Happy PAM to all!” A huge thank‑you to this dedicated team for the care, commitment, and community connection you bring to Northern B.C. 💙 #PharmacyAppreciationMonth #BCPharmacy #CommunityCare

2026 Annual Conference Speaker Highlight: Suzanne Solven Registrar and CEO, College of Pharmacists of British Columbia College of Pharmacists of British Columbia: Update The College of Pharmacists of BC (CPBC) will share updates on the new Health Professions and Occupations Act, including highlights of what has changed as part of the new Act and what it means for regulation and licensees. The presentation will also highlight key initiatives including work related to the impact of business metrics on pharmacy practice and actions to address drug diversion. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of CPBC’s role as a regulator, how these initiatives support public safety, and what to expect moving forward. Join us at our 2026 Annual Conference for this session — with more speakers to be announced soon! 👉 Register now: bcpharmacy.ca/conference

Happy #PharmacyAppreciationMonth to Ahmed Salem and the @Walmart Pharmacy team in Duncan, B.C. "Ahmed Salem, Pharmacy Manager at Walmart Pharmacy 3025 in Duncan, BC, exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, passion, and a deep commitment to community care. Since stepping into his role, Ahmed has consistently set his team up for success by fostering an environment built on continuous coaching, active engagement, and leading with authenticity. His ability to inspire through daily actions has become a cornerstone of the pharmacy’s growing success. Ahmed Salem is not only a highly skilled Pharmacy Manager; he is a leader who lifts others, a mentor who inspires growth, and a community champion whose impact resonates far beyond the walls of his pharmacy. His contributions reflect the very best of our organization, and it is an honor to celebrate his accomplishments." - Rashin Mandegarian, Walmart

🎉 March is Pharmacy Appreciation Month! 🎉 And we’re celebrating by giving YOU the chance to win a $200 gift card! How to enter: 1️⃣ Like this post 2️⃣ Comment with the name of your favourite pharmacy or pharmacist 3️⃣ Share this post Complete all three steps and you’re officially entered! We’ll randomly select one winner at the end of March. 💙💊 Good luck — and don’t forget to show some love to the pharmacy professionals who make a difference every single day! 🙌 #pharmacyappreciationmonth

Happy #PharmacyAppreciationMonth to the amazing team at Pharmasave Rosser! From left to right: Jammie, Raigene, Rizka, Bernie Here’s what Pharmacy Manager Bernie Lam had to say about her incredible team: “Pharmasave Rosser has always been a family‑focused pharmacy — patients and staff alike. Our patients know that they are able to reach out to us whenever they need, thanks to the rapport we’ve built throughout the years. We ensure that our patients are taken care of just as we would care for our loved ones. Our pharmacy team works so well together, with the occasional assistance from our front‑shop team, tending to our patients and getting tasks done. We are fueled by laughter, good food, and the occasional bubble tea or coffee run.” Thank you to Bernie and the entire Pharmasave Rosser team for the warmth, care, and community spirit you bring every day. 💙 #BCPharmacy #CommunityCare

Big thank‑you to Ashna Randhawa for sharing this photo of her FreshCo 4255 Pharmacy team! Here’s what she had to say about the amazing people she works with: “What makes our team amazing is that we believe in putting the patient first and building a foundation of trust while addressing concerns and questions. We have a strong bond and support one another during busy days and difficult scenarios, always maintaining respect for one another. Our patient base can attest to our work ethic and warm nature — always greeting with a smile and remembering names. We’ve built strong relationships with our patients over the years. Each member of our pharmacy has a huge heart, and it’s amazing to work with a team like this. Thank you!! Happy Pharmacy Appreciation Month!! ☺️” Pictured (left to right): Arshdeep Johal, Ashna Randhawa, Inderjit Toor Missing from the photo: Repinder Nagra and Gagandeep Nijjar #PharmacyAppreciationMonth #BCPharmacy #CommunityCare

Happy #PharmacyAppreciationMonth! Today we’re spotlighting the wonderful team at Pharmasave Kingsway & Commercial. Here’s what Regional Pharmacy Manager Winnie Wong shared about her team: “Pharmasave at Kingsway and Commercial is a trusted pharmacy known for its professionalism and strong commitment to the community. The staff takes pride in providing personalized care and attention to ensure customers' health needs are met. Whether you're picking up a prescription, seeking advice, or browsing everyday health and wellness items, you can rely on the team for dependable service and genuine care.” Pictured (left to right): Balhar, Julia, Sarah, and Joy.

@Walmart sent us this great photo of their team in Prince George, B.C. — Happy #PharmacyAppreciationMonth! Here’s what they shared about their incredible team: “The Prince George pharmacy team at Store 3651 is the top clinical service–providing pharmacy across our network. This team consistently leads in the delivery of high‑quality clinical services and demonstrates a strong commitment to patient care and community health in Northern B.C. We’re proud to have Store 3651 represent our network through their clinical excellence and teamwork.” — Jim Yoo, Senior Manager, Field Health & Wellness Operations Team members: Pharmacy Manager: Akhlaq Staff Pharmacist: Jerem Pharmacy Assistant: Megan Pharmacy Assistant: Amritpreet

Happy Pharmacy Appreciation Month to the Fort St. John Pharmacy and Wellness Centre — and thanks so much for sharing this photo! "Our pharmacy staff is diverse and includes individuals from Canada, Nigeria, the Philippines, and India and one of our pharmacists has First Nations Heritage. We celebrate events in staff members’ lives(such as new babies)! Our team includes pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and assistants, nurses, and health-aid and compression wear fitters and many of our staff are share-holders in the company." - Lori Bonertz Front row: Megan, Marisa, Ayo, Gagun, Kaci, Michelle Back Row: Mariah, Jordan, Dustin, Tania, Tanya, Lori Cory, Toni, Shawn #PharmacyAppreciationMonth #CommunityCare #BCPharmacy

2026 Annual Conference Speaker Highlight: Kevin Vallely Architect and Explorer Pulling Together: How Purpose and Connection Create Stronger Teams Like a rowing crew that must work in perfect sync, the best teams are united by trust, shared purpose, and real human connection. Kevin’s Arctic expedition shows how these qualities build powerful cultures where people—and performance—thrive. Join us at our 2026 Annual Conference for this session — with more speakers to be announced soon! 👉 Register now: bcpharmacy.ca/conference