Roles for pharmacists in the prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases

As the most accessible and trusted health care professionals in the United States, pharmacists can be an important resource for sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention and control. Pharmacists and pharmacies are located in every type of community throughout the United States. The profession of pharmacy is positioned well to make a meaningful contribution to STD prevention and control. The accessibility to the public, the large number of pharmacy locations, and the trust shared between pharmacists and the public they serve combine to afford a unique opportunity to reach millions of individuals with STD prevention and control messages and other strategies. The numerous innovative activities involving pharmacists and pharmacies in STD-related services suggest an expanded role for pharmacy.