PHARMACIST INVOLVEMENT IN THE STRATEGIC NATIONAL STOCKPILE

To advocate for the inclusion of pharmacist expertise in the development and maintenance of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS); further,

To advocate for transparency and improvement of SNS processes, including standardization of the request process and enhanced periodic review of SNS contents; further,

Rationale

The depletion of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) during the COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to significantly improve SNS operations. Pharmacists should be engaged in determining which medications and supplies are included in the SNS, as well as how to maintain quality and ensure the stock remains up to date.

At the outset of the pandemic, hospitals and health systems struggled to make requests to the SNS for both medications and supplies. Because there was a not a clear mechanism for making requests, with the process varying among states, even sharing tips and best practices between providers was not always helpful. The SNS should increase transparency regarding stock and should implement a single consistent process for making requests. Providers should not have to devote huge amounts of time to making SNS requests in the midst of an emergency – and there should be a mechanism for quickly checking on the status of SNS requests to avoid additional wasted time.

Finally, to streamline processes, the SNS should have a standard distribution logistics process for medications and related supplies centered on pharmacists. Ensuring that pharmacists receive distributions of medications and related supplies will allow them time to prepare storage space (e.g., freezer space for remdesivir) and ensure proper storage and handling of products.