February Marketing Blog

Ways to Promote American Heart Month in Your Pharmacy

1 of every 3 deaths in the US is contributed to cardiovascular disease – that’s 2,200 deaths each day, an average of 1 death every 40 seconds.  
American Heart Association 

 

     

February is American Heart Month, a national observance sponsored by the American Heart Association to build public awareness about heart disease and stroke. Heart Disease (including Coronary Heart Disease, Hypertension, and Stroke) remains to be the No. 1 cause of death in the US. The likelihood that your patients are affected by this disease is strong. To assist you in educating your patients about ways to keep their heart healthy, we’ve come up with a few ideas on how to promote American Heart Month in your pharmacy.

Have a Heart! Go Red on February 2nd
Educate Your Patients:
Promote Your Heart Healthy Products & Services
  • Promote your medication synchronization programs. Schedule brown bag medication review sessions to discuss the importance of adherence to their overall health. We have created a free editable bag clipper and medication log to get you started.
  • Help patients reduce their risk of heart disease by emphasizing your Smoking Cessation program, as well as front-end products to help them kick the habit.
  • Offer specials on aspirin, Omega3, vitamins, blood pressure monitors, weight management aids and other heart healthy supplements. Make sure they are prominently displayed in your store.
  • Talk to your patients and staff about what it means to “Go Red” by sharing this acronym:
        Get Your Numbers
        Own Your Lifestyle
        Raise Your Voice
        Educate Your Family
        Donate
Host an Event  
  • Hold free or discounted blood pressure/diabetes screenings.
  • Consider partnering with local organizations to host a CPR training event.
  • Invite a local nutritionist to discuss healthy eating habits and portion control. This would be a great way to promote front-end nutritional supplements.
  • Invite a local fitness trainer to come in and talk about simple exercise routines that can be completed at home. This would be a great way to promote front-end fitness equipment.
  • Read January's blog on Planning & Executing a Health Promotion Event for tips. 

Additional ideas on how you can support #GoRed are available here.

Additional Resources  

March Health Observances 

  • Brain Injury Awareness Month
  • National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
  • National Kidney Month
  • National Nutrition Month
  • Hemophilia Awareness Month
  • National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
  • National Eye Donor Month
  • Patient Safety Awareness Week (11th - 17th)
  • Poison Prevention Week (18th - 24th)
  • American Diabetes Alert Day (27th)

For a complete list of 2018 National Health Observances with free hyperlinked resources, download the American Pharmacies 2018 Pharmacy, Health and Wellness Observances Calendar. Additional tips and resources are available in the Marketing Resource Center.

Seasonal Merchandising 

Looking for seasonal front-end products for holidays and events? Our newest preferred vendor Kelli's Gift Shop Suppliers has got you covered. Kelli's Gift Shop and American Pharmacies have developed a monthly seasonal events calendar with recommended products that drive incremental revenue for holidays and major events each month. With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, now is the time to stock up on chocolate and other Valentine's Day FavoritesAs an American Pharmacies member, you will receive 5% off Kelli's normal wholesale pricing. All orders of $450 or more qualify for free shipping. Shipping is within one business day of your order. Additional information is provided in this APRx Newsletter