WASHINGTON, D.C. (WWLP)-- The number of pharmacists continues to rise in the U.S. according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS). The role that pharmacists play in community health has grown for decades. Besides dispensing medicines, pharmacists provide drug information and management, and oversee mini-clinics where they provide health screening and monitoring, and give vaccines for a variety of illnesses. National prescription take back day Saturday According to the most recent ACS data, the number of pharmacists rose from 286,400 in 2018 to 337,400 in 2023. Between 60% and 62% of the pharmacist workforce were women from 2018 to 2023, but the survey shows male counterparts continue to earn more. The report also found that the pharmacist profession is less diverse than the U.S. workforce as a whole, with 61% White, 23% Asian, 9% Black, and 6% Hispanic. The American Community Survey is a tool that provides information to local, state and federal entities, businesses and community planners about demographic and other changes within communities. More information on the survey and statistics can be found on the United States Census Bureau website.