Maintaining the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain in this unprecedented time would not be possible without the incredible efforts of distribution industry employees, who are working around-the-clock to move critical medicines and healthcare supplies.

Across the country, frontline healthcare workers are leading COVID-19 response efforts. HDA member McKesson is taking care of its employees so they can continue to support these medical professionals every step of the way in their efforts to treat patients, maintain vital healthcare operations and support emergency responders.

As the logistics experts of healthcare, distributors’ daily mission during the COVID-19 pandemic is to support a safe, efficient and resilient supply chain. Accordingly, distributors are working with partners inside and outside the healthcare community to support hospitals, pharmacies and healthcare providers.

While it has only been a few months since the first American was diagnosed with COVID-19, the scope of the pandemic is one which we have never experienced before. Throughout, it has become abundantly clear that our nation’s ability to effectively respond to this once-in-a-lifetime crisis depends on the public and private sectors joining forces, maintaining constant coordination, and working together to identify operational and regulatory barriers impeding access to medicines and medical supplies.

Every day, pharmacists are on the frontlines of patient care — providing information and resources, valuable face-to-face counseling as well as dispensing the medicines that patients need to manage their health and well-being. During COVID-19, pharmacists’ role as counselors, educators and advocates to patients has never been more critical.