Michigan Pharmacist – April/May/June 2024

10

3 President’s Platform

MPA President Sarah Hill on the value of networking and upcoming MPA events.

15 Legislative Update

Eric Roath reports on MPA's efforts to increase access to contraception.

4 CEO Corner

The secret's out: ACE is on the move, beginning with 2025 in Traverse City!

18 MSCP President

MSCP President David Bright says pharmacists must "stick the landing" for the profession's new normal.

8 Student Focus

P4 student Josh Matson got a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on at the Annual Convention & Exposition.

The Great Lakes Bay Pharmacy Association is highlighted in this issue.

NETWORKING THROUGH MPA THE VALUE OF

BY SARAH HILL, Pharm.D.; president, Michigan Pharmacists Association

"When people ask me what I value about my MPA membership, the networking opportunities afforded to me by my involvement consistently rank high on my list. "

I hope that you were able to join us in February for MPA’s Annual Convention & Exposition (ACE). I look forward to attending it each year! Not only does it offer invaluable live continuing education (CE) opportunities, but it's also a cherished reunion with my favorite pharmacy friends and colleagues.

Prior to the convention, the MPA Executive Board convened for a meeting. During introductions, Chair Hope Broxterman prompted each board member to share their name, position on the board and what they most look forward to at the convention. Nearly unanimously, each person expressed that their favorite part of ACE is reconnecting with individuals they rarely see in person – often just once a year. While you can’t beat the convenience (or the commute) of virtual meetings, there is just something special about being physically together that we have lost to the world of Zoom, Meet and Teams.

When people ask me what I value about my MPA membership, the networking opportunities afforded to me by my involvement consistently rank high on my list. I am grateful for the online activities that MPA offers to engage in virtual networking, but there is just something about being elbow-to-elbow with someone that lends itself to a deeper connection. There is a special magic that comes from being in each other's presence, from the spontaneous conversations in the hallways to the shared laughter over a meal. These moments of connection are what make our annual convention so meaningful and memorable for me.

As much fun as it is to have a mini reunion each year at ACE, please remember that ACE does not have to be your only chance to see your fellow MPA members in person! As members of the Michigan Pharmacists Association, we have the opportunity to come together at various in-person events throughout the year! I extend a personal invitation for you to join us at these upcoming events:

MPF Golf Classic: Mark your calendars for Wednesday, June 12, when the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF) hosts its annual Golf Classic. This event supports the work the Foundation does “To Foster the Future of Pharmacy.” This year, the outing will take place at a

new golf course, Timber Trace Golf Club in Pickney. The course is great for golfers of all skill levels and gives you an up-north feel. This is sure to be a fun-filled day and a chance to do some great networking. I personally am looking forward to regaining my title as the putt-putt champ!

Pharmacy Day at the Capitol (PDAC): One of the most impactful ways you can support our profession is by attending MPA’s Pharmacy Day at the Capitol. This year’s event will take place in Lansing on Sept. 10. This is an amazing opportunity for you to meet with your legislators to advocate for topics important to the profession of pharmacy. I know it can feel a bit intimidating to meet with a legislator, especially if you have never done that before, but the team at MPA works hard to make sure you are armed with talking points and paired up with other members as you attend your meetings. Educating legislators about topics that are significant to the profession is more important than ever with term limits resulting in lots of turnover among state representatives and senators.

Other Education Events: Save the date for Oct. 25, to join us at the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ MSHP Annual Meeting at the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel! This popular event is a great opportunity to learn and meet with other health-system pharmacy professionals. Also consider attending the Upper Peninsula Division Fall Conference in Marquette Oct. 5-6 for insightful learning and breathtaking fall scenery. Looking to expand the services you offer at your pharmacy? You are in luck! MPA offers multiple Immunization and Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) trainings throughout the year. The next live webinar is scheduled for May 9, so sign up now!

While you have your calendar out, flip to 2025 and mark down the Annual Convention dates for next year. After 15 remarkable years in Detroit, we are excited to take the ACE on the road to the scenic Grand Traverse Resort and Spa just outside of Traverse City April 11-13, 2025! It was wonderful to see so many of you in-person in February! I hope to continue to experience the magic of togetherness with you at the many in-person events we have to look forward to in 2024!

MPA President Sarah Hill speaks during the Opening Welcome at ACE 2024. Exhibit Hall at ACE

ACE MOVES LOCATION & TIMING

BY

We just finished another very successful Annual Convention & Exposition (ACE) – more than 700 total attendees and 80 exhibitors – and we’re already thinking about ACE 2025. Actually, we’ve been thinking about our next ACE for quite some time.

Our 10-year contract with the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center ended with our meeting in February, so we knew we had to look for a new venue. We’ve also heard plenty from members over the years who had to drive through inclement weather to attend ACE in winter. Some even missed early morning CE due to the winter elements in Michigan.

So, we decided to ask members when and where they would like to have ACE in the future. In our Member Priority Survey two years ago and it was quite apparent that taking ACE on the road during a different time of year would be welcome.

Location, Location, Location

With such strong member input, staff set out immediately to search for venues around Michigan that could support an event as large as ACE. Such venues are not as plentiful as you may think. Our search ultimately narrowed to Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Traverse City.

Our Education & Events team worked closely with area hotels, convention centers, and convention and visitors bureaus in those cities to identify leading candidates to host ACE. Also at play were the dates these venues could host MPA.

Timing is Everything

Our Member Priority Survey told us summer was out – can’t interrupt family vacations. Fall was out due to everything football – college, pro and, yes, youth football games. Winter was still out because of the weather, so spring had to be the choice. Easy you say? Not when you’re juggling holidays (Easter, Passover, Ramadan and Mother’s Day), spring break and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Annual Meeting.

Whenever dates matched well with our calendars, we then had to see which venues were available over the

next 10 years. Yes, 10 years. There are hundreds of other state associations in Michigan all looking to hold their meetings at the same venues.

Some cities were just out of the question. Grand Rapids fell into this group and we're still hoping to find a time that works in this attractive Michigan city. In spite of this, our meeting schedule quickly fell into place over the next five years. We will hold ACE in Traverse City in 2025 and 2030, and Lansing from 2026-2028.

Negotiations are ongoing for 2029 and the years to come. We're still looking for opportunities to bring ACE to Grand Rapids and back to Detroit!

Change it Up

Bringing these changes to ACE gives us the opportunity to rethink the meeting and what makes it fun and entertaining to attend. First and foremost, we’re going to change the way we celebrate our annual awardees. Gone is the annual awards banquet. Instead, we’re going to acknowledge our award recipients during a general session so all attendees may applaud their peers.

In the banquet’s place, we’re going to have a closing reception on Saturday night that’s open to everyone. Let all attendees participate in a fun and entertaining conclusion to ACE. Stay tuned for the festivities we plan for you!

We also want to bring the family component back to ACE. Attendees will be able to plan a "staycation" around ACE with so many activities available in and around Traverse City to extend their stay. The Grand Traverse Resort golf course will be open for starters. We’re also looking at potential fun activities such as winery tours, shopping excursions and even a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Mark your calendars now for April 11-13, 2025, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City. You haven’t been to ACE until you’ve been to our reimagined ACE!

MPA and MSHP boards bid a fond farewell to the final ACE at the Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit.

MARK GLASPER, chief executive officer, Michigan Pharmacists Association

EVENTS CALENDAR

MPA events, as well as health observances, are included below. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our online calendar at www.MichiganPharmacists.org/events

APRIL 2024

1-30

26

Friday,

MAY 2024

1-31

JUNE 2024

6

Please note: Some board and committee meetings may be subject to a change in format to virtual or in-person at the discretion of the members. Please check the online calendar or contact MPA@MichiganPharmacists.org for more information.

— NEW STAFF —

Emily Rogoszewski

MPA is excited to welcome Emily Rogoszewski as its new Marketing and Membership Engagement Manager.

Rogoszewski graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and started her career in the retirement care industry in marketing and sales.

She began working at Burcham Hills Retirement Community and was a part of the team that helped bring a brand-new senior living product to the Greater Lansing area. Three years later, that project was complete and she began working with the Greater Lansing Association of Realtors in membership engagement and outreach.

In her free time, she enjoys reading and going up north. But her favorite thing to do is spend time with her family. She is married to her husband Erik and they have two little girls – Ada, 3, and Maren, 5 months – along with their dog Tucker.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 10-11:30 a.m.

Pharmacy Technician Immunization Administration — Mixed format; Self Study & Live Webinar

This program consists of both self-study and live webinar components. The self-study must be completed before the live session date.

https://www.lecturepanda.com/a/ PharmacyTechnicianImmunizationHomeStudy

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1-4 p.m.

Point of Care Test & Treat Training (POCT) – Mixed format; Self Study & Live Webinar

This program consists of both self-study and live webinar components. The self-study must be completed before the live session date.

https://fs27.formsite.com/7jFRIO/51ssdzcskw/index

JUST $7.99 FORMEMBERS

Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.

TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 9-11 a.m.

Pharmacy-based Immunization Training — Mixed format; Self Study & Live Webinar

This program consists of both self-study and live webinar components. The self-study must be completed before the live session date.

https://fs27.formsite.com/7jFRIO/rvvtjkxxie/index

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 9-10 a.m.

Michigan Pharmacy Law Update, Q3 Law update

This program meets the pharmacy law educational requirements but does not include ethics and jurisprudence.

https://www.lecturepanda.com/v2/announcement/ ag1zfnJ4Y2V0cmFja2VychMLEgZDRVVzZXIYgICAsLaLigoM/ ag1zfnJ4Y2V0cmFja2VycicLEgZDRVVzZXIYgICAsLaLigoMC xIHTGVjdHVyZRiAgIjPs7CSCgw

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions about any of these MPA education events, please email MPA@MichiganPharmacists.org

PRESENTS

ALS THE INCURABLE ACRONYM: BUT NOT UNTREATABLE

TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2-3:30 p.m.

EVENT DETAILS:

• Session: The Incurable Acronym: ALS –But Not Untreatable

• Date: April 23, 2024

• Time: 2-3:30 p.m. (Doors will open at 1:30 p.m.)

• Location: MPA Headquarters | 408 Kalamazoo Plaza | Lansing 48933

• Presenters: Nick Torney, Derek Vander Horst and Michael Tiberg

• Format: Live and in-person at MPA Headquarters (virtual option available)

• PCE: 1.5 hours of live CE

• Cost: $7.99 for MPA Members | $35 for non-members

Michael D. Tiberg, Pharm.D., has been an active MPA member who, with his colleagues Nick Torney and Derek Vander Horst, submitted a session proposal for MPA’s 2024 Annual Convention & Exposition entitled "The Incurable Acronym: ALS – But Not Untreatable.” When MPA’s education team met with Michael, they soon learned why it was imperative that this CE occur soon, as well as being accessible in the future to as many within the pharmacy profession as possible.

Why? Michael has ALS. He noted he’s not sure how long he may have to be able to educate his colleagues on how pharmacy can impact and assist those, who like himself, have a personal plight with this devastating disease. Therefore, MPA got to work on how we could best disseminate Michael’s passion project to the pharmacy community. Michael's article in last month's Michigan Pharmacist journal will help you understand why participation in this PCE event is imperative. In addition, we’ll be recording this CE for future home study opportunities personally, in colleges of pharmacy, and in health care settings. We encourage you to join us – space is limited, so register today! MPA and this CE team came together as a labor of love to offer to MPA members this 1.5-hour live CE for only $7.99 to cover accreditation and reporting hard costs.

April 11-13, 2025

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

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A C E 2 0 2 5 !

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BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM NOW!

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Annual Convention & Exposition

Traverse C ty

ACE

AS A STUDENT, AND ON ROTATION

BY JOSH MATSON, PGY4, Ferris State University

This was my third year attending MPA’s Annual Convention & Exposition (ACE) as a student, but I also had the opportunity to experience the convention from behind the curtains thanks to being on an APPE rotation with MPA. I saw just how much effort it takes to put on the event – while also contributing some long hours myself. In my opinion, the conference gives two big benefits to students: a chance to learn about current, real-world topics in pharmacy — and it’s the best networking experience you’ll get as a student.

Thanks to the education sessions, I took away new knowledge on inhaler drug delivery, management of anticoagulation interactions, new options in expedited partner therapy treatment and how to manage opioid allergies on patient charts. It was a chance for me to bridge some of the knowledge gap between the classroom and real-world situations. While I was mostly an observer at the House of Delegates this year, I still got to hear about the resolutions being voted on and the discussion on whether they should be passed or rejected. These resolutions were brought by members and were about current relevant topics in pharmacy that are specific to Michigan. I was surprised how some of the votes ended, but it also helped me understand arguments for and against the resolutions.

Networking is something that is expected with any convention, but ACE is different in that it’s a big event, but it’s not an overwhelming number of people and the focus on Michigan means it’s more relevant. For me, this ACE meant getting to catch up with an old pharmacy manager, the clinical supervisor where most of my rotations have been, “parents” from previous participation in Adopt-A-Student and others I

previously met at this event. Additionally, I met so many pharmacists, technicians and students for the first time. I met students throughout the conference from all three schools thanks to events like the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists student luncheon, the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation Student Social and helping students participating in the Adopt-AStudent program get to and understand their volunteer assignments. Some of the other social events, dinners and helping run the registration desk allowed me to meet countless other pharmacists and technicians.

Two weeks before ACE, I met and assisted the amazing MPA staff who put on this event. ACE is not just one weekend for those who work at the MPA office in Lansing. There is months of prep work, of which I helped with just a fraction of in the two weeks prior. It made me realize just how much goes on in the background to get everything to the convention, get set up, make sure ACE runs smoothly and then take everything down. It’s added a new level of appreciation to the event.

While my future ACE participation is a little uncertain as I can’t request time off for next year yet, my goal is to be at ACE 2025 and beyond.

FROM THE DESK OF MEMBERSHIP

BY BRYAN FREEMAN, chief strategy officer, Michigan Pharmacists Association

It’s hard to believe, but we are three months into 2024. First and foremost, thank you for your continued support, as the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) would not be where it is without you. This year, MPA is grateful for your membership and has seen many new pharmacy professionals join our ranks. As a member-driven organization, MPA wants you to know what the membership department has been up to and the additional areas we are focusing on in 2024.

• MPA has been taking part in local association meetings and events. The goal is to maintain and have representation from MPA at each local board meeting and event.

• MPA, the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation and PSI Insurance Agency hosted exhibit booths at the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition. With over 700 in attendance, it was nice to see all of you that stopped by to say hello.

• Take advantage of the MPA Member Referral Program. You will be issued a reward coupon within your MPA profile as a token of our appreciation. For each pharmacist you recruit, you'll receive a $30 coupon and $20 for each pharmacy technician.

• Be on the lookout for the 2024 MPA Membership Priority Survey. You will help shape how MPA can better serve you and its members. Your feedback is necessary as MPA plans for the future and beyond.

Whether you have recently joined MPA, or have been a part of MPA’s efforts to further the profession for years, thank you for taking this opportunity to help members maximize the impact of their membership. When you become an MPA member, you receive complementary local association membership. Local associations fall under the umbrella of MPA and provide an opportunity to foster relationships with fellow pharmacy professionals in your community. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity and get involved if you can. If you are unsure of which local association you belong to, refer to MichiganPharmacists.org/membership/local-associations/ or email MPA@ MichiganPharmacists.org

As a member-driven organization, MPA encourages you to refer any non-members to join the Association. MPA is only as strong as its membership is and MPA looks forward to an amazing year ahead!

New MPA members (Jan. 1-March 31)

Bashar Albadri

Celia Al-Farah

Sama Ali

Azadeh Ali-Moghaddam

Dhafer Almaklani

Ashley Altom

Emmanuel Anderson

Alicia Atto

Christine Awabdeh

Vera Bachuwa

Andrei Barbolovici

Brian Barnes

Aubrey Barwick

Nazanin Bastani

Linda Baydoun

Andrew Berti

Mariam Beydoun

Tamara Bodagh

Benedicto Braganza

Alexis Brecht

Kaylin Brown

Alexandria Crain

Adel Dakhlallah

Jawan Danho

Robert DeVore

Aiswarya Divagaran

Fred Doloresco

Renee Dudek

Abusufian Eltahir

Beisan El-Tatari

Linda Abdelgabar

Eltayeb Babiker

Kaylene Evans

Marwa Farhat

Jack Folson

Richard Garcia

Hiam George

Tara Gignac

Payton Gilmore

Zena Gorgeis

Cynthia Granados

John Grofvert

Matthew Gunberg

Kaitlyn Harnden

Jasmine Hawley

Rachel Hay

Jennifer Heckroth

Alyssa Hettel

John Hodges

Sok Visal Hoeng

Trevor Hofman

Michael Holtz

Deborah Huber

Soo Kyun Hur

Zahra Husain

Chris Ibeson

Jimmy Istifan

Manjula Jayabalan

Megan Kajy

Nicholas Kallabat

Jacob Kelahan

Katie Kenan

Adedipupo King

Rima Lahdhiri

Matthew Lam

Stephanie LaPointe

Roselin Lotkhamnga

Deborah Madsen

Rachel Maedeker

Gharram Mashrah

Sabrina Mastronardi

Reagan McGinn

Diana Michaels

Angela Michienzi

Madison Millar

Paige Mogg

Theodora Morava

Gilbert Moreno

John Muller III

Emma Munson

Brad Murphy

Mohamad Nasser

Alidah Nathoo

Flavja Nazarko

Suong Nguyen

Carolyn V Nolen

Christopher Nostrant

Daijiro Oshitari

Amy Pallisco

Ganesh Patel

Gauri Patel

Sweta Patel

Carol Petrinac

Mackenzie Prater

Petar Puskar

Chetna Ramaswamy

Julie Richardson

Alexa Ringle

Pia-Allison Roa

Ryan Rodzik

Raquel Rowe

Valentina Rriska

Nisha Sabapathy

Noorhan Sabbagh

Jasmine Sawah

David Schug

Andrew Schulz

Ahmed Sharaf

Lindsey Sims

Roha Sohail

Karen St. Onge

Makenzie Stafford

Ellie Stichter

Kameron Stoddard

Erica Strange

Kimberly Thornton

Jessica Totten

Brooke Townsend

Loyal Tran

Alaina Trudeau

Sydney Vachon

Derek Vander Horst

Katherine Vitou

Breann Wandell

William Watson

Kurt Wesley

Jenna Wilkerson

Brian Wilson

Jolie Wreggelsworth

Gaona Yang

Bosra Yeasmin

Ben Zalupski

Joseph Zeppa

Justin Zimmerman

Daniah Zubair

Brittany Stewart RD, Pharm.D., assistant clinical professor, Wayne State University

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Member Since: Pharmacist member since 2016, student pharmacist member 2005-2009.

Describe Your Role/Day in the Life: A day in the life of academia is never the same –challenging at times, extremely rewarding most of the time – and I absolutely love it! I always say that I am lucky to have my dream job. Depending on the semester, you will find me teaching some of my favorite topics, such as self-care, over-the-counter (OTC) patient counseling, medication therapy management (MTM), immunizations or any community pharmacy-related topic. As the community experiential coordinator, I work with students and preceptors to optimize student experiential learning experiences. The research projects that I am working on right now involve a pharmacistled smoking cessation program offered through the Wayne Health mobile health units in Detroit and evaluating interprofessional education initiatives. I also serve on academic committees at Wayne State and as the chapter advisor for the student chapter of APhA-ASP. Most days consist of several meetings and checking lots of emails and I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Why You’re an MPA Member: I first joined MPA as a WSU student pharmacist in 2005 and I wanted the opportunity to build relationships and network with future pharmacist colleagues. One of my most memorable student events was the first MPA Annual Convention & Exposition (ACE) awards banquet I attended in 2007. Now, more than 15 years later as a practitioner and educator, I have found my professional home with MPA and truly value the opportunities, networking and experiences that are afforded to me through this amazing organization. I tell every Wayne State University student pharmacist that they should be a member of MPA. Furthermore, every pharmacist in the state of Michigan should be an MPA member. Just remember – “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

Recent Accomplishments: In January 2023, two WSU APhA-ASP students, Shannon Habba and Lorden Kassab, were awarded a $3,000 District IV NABP/AACP Future Pharmacists

Grant to implement #ATimeToTalk depression screenings in a community pharmacy and I served as the faculty advisor for the project. The project was a smashing success and more information is available on pages 16 and 17 in this issue of the MPA journal. A full manuscript is also in progress to disseminate the findings to the research community. I am on the planning committee for the District IV NABP/ AACP meeting that will be held in Detroit in the fall and hope to see some of you there!

As a founding member of the Michigan Community Pharmacy Coalition, we planned and executed the first Community Pharmacy Summit in Michigan in June 2023 in partnership with the three state colleges of pharmacy and MPA to develop a roadmap for success in community pharmacy practice. Michelle Kelly (Ferris State), Karen Farris (Michigan) and I presented the results at ACE 2024 and we received great feedback to continue planning the next iteration.

In September 2023, I received a $40,000 grant to implement a project entitled ACHIEVECessation: A Pharmacist-led Smoking Cessation Program Utilizing Mobile Health Units in Detroit. As the principal investigator, I am working closely with co-investigator Pia-Allison Roa at Wayne Health to carry out the project and looking forward to sharing the results from this program in the near future.

How MPA Has Helped You Achieve Any Accomplishments:

Working with MPA has allowed me to fulfill my passion to advance community practice in the state of Michigan and to continue to educate Wayne State students about the importance of moving pharmacy forward in Michigan. For example, serving on the Professional Affairs Committee and the Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists (MSCP) Board of Directors has expanded my professional network immensely and given me opportunities I would have never had otherwise. I look forward to many more opportunities to come in the future with MPA. Thank you to all the staff and members of MPA who have made it truly feel like home!

SWING INTO ACTION and Support a Brighter Future at the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation 2024 Golf Classic

BY RICK DRABEK, executive director, Michigan Pharmacy Foundation

We are thrilled to announce the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF) Golf Classic will take place June 12, 2024, at the picturesque Timber Trace Golf Club in Pinckney. This annual gathering is not only a day of friendly competition and camaraderie, but also an opportunity to show your support and “To Foster the Future of Pharmacy."

Nestled within the serene landscapes of Pinckney, Timber Trace Golf Club provides the perfect backdrop for this event. Built on 460 acres of breathtaking scenery and wonderfully manicured greens, Timber Trace has been described as Livingston County’s premier golf course, offering a variety of benefits for golfers of all levels. Its player-friendly design has an up-north feel with tall stands of pine and hardwoods. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a novice, the course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for all skill levels.

The Michigan Pharmacy Foundation’s 2024 Golf Classic is more than just a golf tournament; it's a celebration of the pharmacy profession's past, present and future. The Foundation's Mission is “To Foster the Future of Pharmacy” and each swing, putt and moment of the tournament contributes to MPF delivering on this important mission.

The funds raised during the MPF Golf Classic directly support the Foundation's various initiatives. This includes annual scholarships for deserving pharmacy

students, grants that support innovative pharmacy practice to maximize health and wellness, and training for pharmacy professionals to identify and enhance their leadership skills. By participating in the Golf Classic, you're not just playing a game – you're helping to shape the future of pharmacy.

MPF believes in the power of the pharmacy profession and the impact it can have. The MPF Golf Classic is a gathering of committed individuals coming together to enjoy a day of golf and, more importantly, contributing to a cause that will reshape the future of pharmacy for generations to come!

Join us on June 12, 2024, for a day of golf, networking and philanthropy. Let's swing into action and make a profound impact on the future of pharmacy together. For more information about the event or to register, please visit our website at MichiganPharmacyFoundation. org/mpfgolfclassic2024 or contact: Rick Drabek, MPF executive director, at RDrabek@MichiganPharmacists.org

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Timber Trace Golf Club, Pinckney

Register at www.mpfgolf.org

*Early bird discount ends 5/19/24

Michigan Pharmacy Foundation Student Scholarships

The Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF) has sponsored student pharmacist scholarships at each of the Michigan colleges of pharmacy for decades. The program is an opportunity "To Foster the Future of Pharmacy" and to pay forward the investments made in the Foundation. The program was originally administered by each college until 2013, when the MPF Board of Trustees made the decision to operate it through an application process in an effort to grow awareness. The scholarship program was redesigned to recognize a P2, P3 and P4 student pharmacist currently enrolled in a pharmacy program at an accredited college of pharmacy in the state

of Michigan. Student pharmacists are required to submit a formal application that gathers information about their leadership skills, academic performance and interest in professional advancement.

The MPF Student Scholarships were awarded at the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) Annual Convention and Exposition (ACE) Feb. 24 to Shannon Habba of Shelby Township from Wayne State University; Hanna Bronz of Saugatuck from Ferris State University; and Mary Westover of Grand Rapids from the University of Michigan.

Larry Wagenknecht Endowed Scholarship

In 2020, the MPF Board of Trustees, working collaboratively with the MPA Executive Board, established the Larry Wagenknecht Endowed Scholarship as a legacy tribute to former MPA CEO Larry Wagenknecht for his 37 years of service to the Association and the profession of pharmacy. The applicant that demonstrates the most exceptional leadership quality is awarded the scholarship. The third annual Larry Wagenknecht Endowed Scholarship was awarded at ACE 2024 to Joseph Paul Javier of Rochester Hills from Wayne State University.

SHANNON HABBA Shelby Township

HANNA BRONZ Saugatuck

MARY WESTOVER Grand Rapids

JOSEPH PAUL JAVIER Rochester Hills

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE ANNUAL MPF GOLF CLASSIC

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SPONSOR LINK:

https://fs27.formsite.com/7jFRIO/nssif0nmcp/index

PARTICIPANT LINK:

https://fs27.formsite.com/7jFRIO/cjcfyz4lqd/index

The weather is getting warmer, and it’s time to start thinking about golf — specifically the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation's (MPF) Golf Classic on June 12. The MPF Board of Trustees is excited to continue the tradition of this annual fundraising event, which supports student pharmacist scholarships, innovative pilot projects and the MPF Health Professional Leadership Academy.

The event will be an 18-hole, four-person scramble with men’s, women’s and mixed team flights permitted. Whether you are a professional golfer or have never golfed before, you are sure to enjoy the day with colleagues, family and friends in this format of play. Discounted registration is available through May 19 and can be found online at MPFgolf.org

For more details about this year’s event, please email MPF Executive Director Rick Drabek at RDrabek@MichiganPharmacists.org

MICHIGAN PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION ADVOCATES FOR INCREASED ACCESS TO BIRTH CONTROL

BY ERIC ROATH, director of government affairs, Michigan Pharmacists Association

On March 5, the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) took part in a House Health Policy Committee hearing on a package of bills aimed to increase access to hormonal contraception. House Bill 5013, sponsored by Rep. Julie Rogers, would require health insurers to cover a 12-month supply of birth control dispensed at one time. HBs 5435 and 5436, sponsored by Reps. Stephanie Young and Kara Hope, respectively, would allow pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraception while requiring insurers to pay for both the prescription (as dispensed under a pharmacist NPI) and the self-screening/evaluation service.

Farah Jalloul, MPA director of professional development, and David Bright, president of the Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists, testified on behalf of the association. “Pharmacists across 29 U.S. states have been empowered to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraception products since 2013, meaning that pharmacists across the country have leveraged this authority to improve access to contraception, reduce unintended pregnancies and reduce overall health care spending,” Bright said. “Michigan has the opportunity to leverage more than a decade of experience and research across other states to drive a strong and successful path of implementation.”

Bright elaborated on interprofessional support for the legislative initiative while addressing concerns regarding regular patient check-ups.

“In fairness, reasonable people can hear or read about what is done in other states and still have concerns, particularly when phrases like ‘skip the physician’s office’ are uttered. In this case, skipping physician office visits sounds like a potential to risk missing other health screenings or care from their provider,” Bright said. “However, to quote the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee Opinion 788, ‘pelvic and breast examinations, cervical cancer screening and sexually transmitted infection screening are not required before initiating hormonal contraception and should not be used as reasons to deny access to hormonal contraception.’”

In essence, these bills follow the direction of ACOG in prioritizing access and dispelling fears about potentially lacking health screenings and instead offering the patient a pharmacist as a solution. House Bill 5436 includes language about “notifying the individual’s primary care provider, if provided by the individual,” which creates an opportunity for pharmacists to emphasize team-based care and encourage patients not to miss any other critical health care needs.

“While it is easy for me as a pharmacist to advocate for pharmacists, I would like to again quote the ACOG Committee Opinion 788 where it is stated that ‘pharmacist-provided contraception may be a necessary and immediate step to increase access to contraception.’ The Michigan Pharmacists Association appreciates the work done to construct House Bills 5435, 5436 and 5013 to empower pharmacists in Michigan to take this ‘necessary and immediate step’ to increase access to contraception, reduce unintended pregnancies and reduce health care spending in Michigan.”

Pharmacists’ ability to prescribe hormonal contraception is a cornerstone initiative in the scope of MPA’s advocacy plans for 2024. Continue to monitor your communications to stay up to date on this and other advocacy issues related to the profession.

DESTIGMATIZING DEPRESSION IN COMMUNITY PHARMACY

BY BRITTANY

STEWART, RD, Pharm.D., assistant clinical professor, Wayne State University;

SHANNON HABBA, Pharm.D. candidate, Wayne State University; and

KYLE BURGHARDT, Pharm.D., associate professor, Wayne State University

Nearly 50 million Americans throughout the United States are living with a mental health condition, with depression being one of the most prevalent.1 Suicide is often a consequence of untreated depression. It is the second-leading cause of death for people ages 25 to 34 and the 11th-leading cause of death overall in the U.S.2 There is a significant need to destigmatize depression, prevent suicide and address barriers to care in pharmacy practice.3

Community pharmacists can play a significant role in this effort. With 1 in 6 adults filling at least one prescription for a psychiatric medication,4 pharmacists are engaging with patients at high-risk for mental health conditions quite often. Previous studies have shown that depression screenings and providing mental health patient education in community pharmacy is feasible and effective in improving patient care.5 However, there is still a critical need to destigmatize depression, expand patient care services and provide education to patients in community pharmacy settings.

Wayne State University’s (WSU) American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhAASP) became certified in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). It organized and implemented #ATimeToTalk depression screening events to provide patients with mental health education, resources and referrals in a community pharmacy setting.

Mental Health First Aid Training

WSU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provided MHFA training to WSU APhA-ASP student pharmacists to equip them with the skills and confidence to navigate mental health conversations in community-based settings. MHFA training is an eight-hour, instructor-led program that educates participants about depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders and more; it teaches participants to recognize risk factors and warning signs and create action plans for crisis and noncrisis situations.6 Group discussions and role play are an important part of the training, highlighting potential situations that could occur during screening events.

During the training, the students practiced using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), which is a nine-question depression screening tool that assesses a patient’s severity of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks and how their symptoms affect their quality of life. Two training sessions were offered in April and May 2023. A total of 25 APhA-ASP student pharmacists

and 10 pharmacists (WSU faculty and preceptors) attended the training in preparation for the depression screening events. Upon successful completion of the program and post-training examination, all participants received MHFA certification.

#ATimeToTalk Depression Screening Events

WSU APhA-ASP student pharmacists organized and implemented 12 #ATimeToTalk depression screening events at a supermarket chain community pharmacy in Livonia from June 1 through July 27, 2023. Three student pharmacists and one faculty preceptor were present at each five-hour depression screening event. Patients ages 18 to 90 years old were recruited onsite and completed informed consent followed by a demographics questionnaire and the PHQ-9.

After completion of the PHQ-9, student pharmacists reviewed the score with the patient in a private consultation room and provided counseling, mental health educational materials and referral information based on the patient's preferences and top mental health

Wayne State students host an #ATimeToTalk depression screening event.

Wayne

State University’s (WSU) American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) became certified in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). It organized and implemented #ATimeToTalk depression screening events to provide patients with mental health education, resources and referrals in a community pharmacy setting.

priorities. Each patient received a mental health resource guide, a booklet created by the student pharmacists that contained information regarding local behavioral health clinics, support groups and support hotlines. A crisis protocol was developed and initiated in case a patient identified as having thoughts of suicide or self-harm during the visit. At the end of the visit, the patient was asked three questions about their experience with the screening event and if they found it helpful. Two weeks later, a follow-up encounter was completed with the patient via phone or email to gather information about their overall satisfaction with the screening event and the actions they’ve taken since their initial visit. Patients received a $20 incentive after completing the follow-up encounter.

Project Outcomes

When developing this program, the research team discussed launching this initiative as a pilot study with a target to screen 75 patients for depression. In just two months, student pharmacists screened 70 patients for depression and achieved an outstanding 93% retention rate for the follow-up encounter. The average age of patients was 52 years old and 76% were female. PHQ-9 scores ranged from 0-24 with an average score of 3.96, which represents minimal level of depression severity (Figure 1). Most patients (93%) reported #ATimeToTalk depression screening events were helpful, demonstrating the usefulness of community pharmacy-provided mental health services.

During the follow-up encounter, 92% reported they are comfortable seeking mental health services from a pharmacist in the future. As a result of participating in the #ATimeToTalk depression screening event, about half of the patients reported reading the educational materials provided and about 25% helped a friend or family member. Following their positive experience, 95% of patients reported that they would refer a friend or family member to utilize these services and resources. These outcomes display the far-reaching impact of the #ATimeToTalk depression screening events as many patients sought guidance on how they can support someone else in their life with a mental health condition. Almost 17% of patients made a follow-up appointment for care after their visit to the depression screening event, almost half of which had a history of depression. This correlation illustrates the importance of the pharmacist’s role in screening, counseling, or monitoring, particularly in patients with depression.

The Pharmacist’s Role in Mental Health Services in Community Pharmacy

Community pharmacists have a profound impact on patients as trusted and accessible health care professionals. There is an opportunity and a need to offer depression screenings and suicide prevention education to mitigate risk and reduce stigma in this patient population.7,8 The results of the #ATimeToTalk depression screening events have shown that patients are willing to seek out these services from a community pharmacist and they are also interested in resources that may assist themselves, a friend, or family member. Although most of the patients had a minimal level of depression severity, it was still important for

them to learn about mental health resources and education, which may further prevent depression from progressing. Community pharmacists can partake in the movement to destigmatize depression by raising awareness and initiating mental health conversations with the patients in their communities. Offering mental health educational resources and local referral information is one provision of care that all community pharmacies can participate in to better the well-being of their patients.

Future Directions

This pilot project has great potential to serve as the foundation for future initiatives and to provide a template for reproducibility in other community pharmacy settings. To continue this program as a sustainable effort, WSU APhA-ASP student pharmacists who are trained in MHFA will offer depression screenings at different sites within the community (such as college campuses, churches, etc.). WSU pharmacy faculty have identified a potential need in the Pharm.D. curriculum to expand on the current foundation of mental health wellbeing education. As a result, it is currently being discussed how to best incorporate the MHFA training into the WSU Pharm.D. curriculum. To contribute to the advancement of community pharmacy practice, our research team is developing a manuscript to disseminate the findings among the research community.

We hope that this project will shed light on the patient outcomes and impact that student pharmacists and pharmacists can have on providing mental health services in a community pharmacy setting.

Acknowledgments

Lorden Kassab, Patricia Dixon, Meijer Pharmacy

Funding

District IV National Association of the Boards of Pharmacy/American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Future Pharmacist Award

References available upon request from the MPA office.

Figure 1: Total number of participants based on PHQ-9 score classification

TIME TO STICK THE LANDING

BY DAVID R. BRIGHT, Pharm.D., MBA, BCACP, FAPhA, FCCP; president, Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists

"Further, we would soon see pharmacy technicians to step up to the plate in a very strong way. In effect, our profession took a great leap forward in clinical advancement and as we find ourselves now settling into this “new normal” that is frequently discussed, our profession must stick the landing."

It seems like it was only weeks ago that I began a term as president of the Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists back in 2019.

Back then, I wrote in this same journal about my excitement for point-of-care testing for infectious diseases and how I was hopeful that pharmacists would continue to apply their dedication and passion for growth to do more. Little did I know that a pandemic would appear and pharmacists would very quickly take on point-of-care testing (among many other things) to a much greater extent. Further, we would soon see pharmacy technicians step up to the plate in a very strong way. In effect, our profession took a great leap forward in clinical advancement. As we find ourselves now settling into this “new normal” that is frequently discussed, our profession must stick the landing.

The pessimist among us might point to reimbursement struggles, workplace condition issues and “Pharmageddon” as a way of saying that our profession has fallen flat. The optimist might say that patients now more than ever see pharmacists as doing something beyond just “taking pills from a big bottle and putting them in a little bottle,” which could be viewed as a victoriously solid landing. I tend to fall somewhere in the middle – simultaneously thankful that we’ve made gains, but knowing also that we still have some work to do. In my opinion, “sticking the landing” means that we can’t simply point backwards to the incredible job that our profession did at the height of the pandemic. Instead, we must land on our feet and maintain momentum so we can continue to move our profession forward.

A couple of key examples I should call attention to are the work of the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) on Senate Bill 219 to drive greater pharmacist autonomy, as well as the work of MPA on House Bill 4348 to help reform pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Michigan. It’s also important that we recognize the individual pharmacists that have leveraged the momentum of the past few years to drive sustainable service provision, whether that be medication therapy management (MTM), point-of-care testing or immunizations. I am excited to see MPA moving forward with contraception prescribing advocacy in 2024 with HBs 5013, 5435 and 5436, and I am honored to have a front row seat to MPA’s work in Lansing. I can’t share loudly enough how encouraging it is to see MPA staff like Farah Jalloul and Eric Roath in action as they fight for community pharmacists in our rapidly-changing environment.

Five years ago, I wrote that, “I am greatly encouraged by the unmatched dedication of Michigan’s community pharmacists despite the headaches and hurdles that will always exist in health care.” I stand by those words and still feel that encouragement today. As we dive into 2024, I look forward to finding ways that MSCP can further support pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to further strengthen the community pharmacy. I look forward to serving MSCP in the coming year to further innovation, teamwork and advancement of the profession and I can’t wait to see how our community pharmacy teams will stick the landing and press forward towards advancing patient care in Michigan’s community pharmacies.

COMMUNITY PHARMACY ENHANCED SERVICES NETWORK MICHIGAN

BY FARAH JALLOUL, Pharm.D., MBA, director of professional development, MPA

Established in 2016, the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network (CPESN) stands as America's pioneering clinically integrated network of community pharmacies. With a focus on elevating quality and expanding service offerings, CPESN USA now spans 49 networks across 44 states, boasting 3,540 participating independent community pharmacies. In 2018, CPESN Michigan emerged, currently comprising 24 thriving pharmacies.

Dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes and lowering health care costs, CPESN Michigan integrates community pharmacists seamlessly into the broader care team, collaborating with primary care physicians, specialists and the extended care team. Seeking out pharmacies committed to surpassing traditional dispensing services, CPESN Michigan fosters a culture of patient-centered care.

CPESN USA provides invaluable support to local networks like CPESN Michigan, offering expertise in legal and clinical integration, payer contracting, marketing and practice transformation. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, CPESN USA facilitated information sharing and access to vaccines and medicines through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partner program, demonstrating its indispensable role in supporting participating pharmacies.

To effectively represent Michigan's pharmacies to purchasers and payers, each pharmacy will complete two agreements via DocuSign: the CPESN Michigan Pharmacy Participation Agreement and the CPESN USA Pharmacy Participation Agreement.

CPESN Michigan requirements encompass a range of essential services:

• Comprehensive Medication Reviews: Conducting systematic assessments to identify and resolve medication-related issues in collaboration with the healthcare team.

• Medication Synchronization Program: Aligning medication refills to streamline patient care and optimize therapeutic outcomes.

• Immunizations: Screening and administering recommended immunizations to patients.

• Medication Reconciliation: Preventing medication errors during care transitions by reconciling patient medication lists.

• Personal Medication Record: Creating comprehensive lists of patient medications.

• Opioid Safety: Promoting safe opioid use and educating patients on proper storage and disposal.

• Naloxone Dispensing: Dispensing naloxone and providing counseling on its use.

If you are interested to learn more about the minimum requirements for participation in CPESN Michigan, scan the QR code

"Dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes and lowering health care costs, CPESN Michigan integrates community pharmacists seamlessly into the broader care team, collaborating with primary care physicians, specialists and the extended care team."

ACE 2024:

THE MOST ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL MPA EVENT OF THE YEAR

The 2024 Michigan Pharmacists Association’s Annual Convention and Exposition

BY LISA N. POWERS, CAE, CTA, director of education and events, Michigan Pharmacists Association

The Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) held its 140th Annual Convention and Exposition (ACE), from Feb. 23-25 for the final time at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. On the heels of celebrating MPA’s 140th anniversary, this year’s convention came with additional pomp and circumstance. From “the best lineup of (continuing education) offerings I’ve ever seen,” as one attendee noted, to new opportunities for college of pharmacy students during Student Saturday, to the PAC-LINE Challenge that pitted the colleges against each other to fundraise – which brought in over $4,000 for MPA’s PAC – it was certainly an ACE to remember.

The convention kicked off Feb. 23 with eight different educational sessions – many of which were offered from our esteemed practice sections — followed by product theater lunches provided by our sponsors. The opening keynote, presented by Antonio Ciaccia, co-founder and president of 3 Axis Advisors and co-founder and CEO of 46brooklyn Research, was a lively CE that addressed the national push for pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform. With another round of CE offerings, the day finished with fantastically fun activities, including the Exhibit Hall Reception, the PAC Reception and the Tech Connect Party in the President’s Suite. If you missed these bright spots this year, ensure you donate to the PAC and purchase your Tech ticket for next year!

Four more complex and researched CEs needed within the field of pharmacy started things off on Feb. 24, followed by our second keynote speaker, Michael Hogue, the executive vice president and CEO of the American Pharmacists Association. His address focused on workplace environment issues affecting pharmacy professionals. Attendees raved both on-site and in their convention surveys that they found this year’s keynotes to be “better than ever,” “engaging and interesting,” and “very timely for pharmacy professionals.”

The afternoon brought mealtime, either within the sold-out exhibit hall, or in a luncheon for the annual meetings of our practice sections. The Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists (MSCP), Michigan Society of Pharmacy Technicians (MSPT) and Consultant & Specialty Pharmacists of Michigan (CSPM) met in the afternoon to discuss annual endeavors and to give awards for their members’ impeccable service. The Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists held its student luncheon, where mentors were at each table engaging with student pharmacists, answering their questions and discussing pharmacy practice.

Students and attendees alike were all ears during the NASPA OTC challenge, where the University of Michigan took home the top spot, ending Ferris’ three-year winning streak in this “Jeopardy!”-style CE. The Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF) also recognized scholarship winners Shannon Habba (Wayne State), Hanna Bronz (Ferris State) and Mary Westover (Michigan), who were each awarded a $2,500 scholarship. Joseph Paul Javier of Wayne State was the recipient of the $3,000 Larry Wagenknecht Scholarship Endowment. Afterwards, the Student Social allowed for friends to kick their shoes off and spend a bit of time together with refreshments and games before the evening’s cocktail reception and Awards Banquet.

The Awards Banquet ushered in the Michigan Pharmacist Association’s 140th President, Sarah Hill. After guests delighted in the carefully-crafted menu for the special event, Sarah’s emcee, Chris Wolfinger, began the ceremonies. He recounted wonderful encounters and spoke to Hill’s many accolades during their extensive work over the years together.

“Thank you for your kind words Chris,” Hill said after taking the podium. “I am so lucky to have been able to work side-by-side with you for the last third of our lives. It has been an honor, and honestly, a lot of fun, serving our pharmacy together. Thank you for your leadership and your friendship!”

She also noted that, “The theme that resonates in my heart and guides my vision for my presidency is ‘legacy.’ Legacy is about the impact we make, the mark we leave behind and the foundation we lay for those who will follow in our footsteps. The concept of servant leadership is at the core of my approach. A servant leader is one who listens, empowers, and puts the needs of others first. As I take on the responsibilities of this office, I commit to doing those things. I am here to serve you, the members of our association. Together, we can achieve our goals by fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity and shared purpose. We are responsible for the association, and the profession, we pass on to the next generation.”

MPA honored many awardees over the course of the evening. They are included in this issue of the Michigan Pharmacist; you can also view the Annual Convention & Exposition Program, which includes awardee profiles. The lineup on Feb. 25 included required CE sessions on implicit bias training, law and ethics, pain, and medication therapy management. Resolutions that had been discussed over the previous year were enacted or vetoed at the annual House of Delegates. Katie Axford presided over HoD for the final time as Speaker of the House.

ACE MOVES TO TRAVERSE CITY IN 2025

As many of you know by now, MPA is moving ACE to the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for 2025. Traverse City will serve as a beautiful backdrop for convention attendees. Please plan to come and stay with us April 11-13, 2025, (and maybe make it your spring “staycation” in Michigan) as we’ll be planning pre- and post-ACE activities that are sure to bring a bit of wellness, fun and relaxation to your Annual Convention experience. Let’s show northern Michigan what the southeastern part of the state has known for decades on end: the Michigan Pharmacists Association’s Annual Convention & Exposition is the place to be each year when it comes to pharmacy.

Reservations at Grand Traverse can be made NOW! We highly recommend you do so swiftly to secure your rooming needs. As always, updated information as it becomes available can be found on the Annual Convention & Exposition page on MPA’s website.

25-Year Recipients

Christine Kondel

Jesse Hogue

Karen Raehtz

John Dawe

Kevin Holloway

Jennifer Dykstra

Henry Fuhs

Susan Benivegna

Anthony Ratti

Janel Gessert

40-Year Recipients

William Semaan

Thomas Rheaume

Martin Cobb

Timothy Davidson

50-Year Recipient

Gary Kadlec

Stuart Bas

Keith Gaede

Paul Schmansky

Brian Swartz

Douglas Smendik

William Drake

Terry Gottschall

Kenneth Fifelski

Ami Luchenbill

Brenda Riley

David Bach

Carol Maurer

25

Vincent Paglino

Linda DeLaura

David Zimmerman

Philip Dast

Harvey Schmidt

William Snider

40

50

Pharmacy Hall of Honor

Executive Board Service Awards

Fellow of Michigan Pharmacists Association

Joseph Fakhoury

Sheroyl Kirby

Amber Lanae Martirosov

Douglas Miller

Mary Beth O'Connell Heather Schalk

Kyle Schmidt Jesse Shuster Sahar Swidan

Jamie Tharp

Thomas Tomaski

MIKE CROWE Grand Blanc

RYAN MOORE Zeeland

JAMIE THARP Ann Arbor

MARY WESTOVER Grand Rapids

KATIE AXFORD Rockford

COURTNEY BIEHL Sparta

SARA BROWN Lowell CAROL BUGDALSKI-STUTRUD Walled Lake

BRADLEY HAAN Madison Heights

MIRANDA MAITLAND Sault Ste. Marie BROOKE ROE Byron Center

HOPE BROXTERMAN Traverse City

MPA Executive Board Chair Award

Michigan Pharmacy Foundation Student Scholarship Program

SHANNON HABBA Shelby Township HANNA BRONZ Saugatuck

MARY WESTOVER Grand Rapids JOSEPH PAUL JAVIER Rochester Hills

Fred W. Arnold Public Relations Award

Distinguished New Pharmacist Practitioner Award

NADA FARHAT Dearborn BROOKE ROE Byron Center

Excellence In Innovation Award

Executive Board Medal

Bowl of Hygeia Award

Pharmacist of The Year Award

LARRY WAGENKNECHT Haslett

DOUGLAS SAMOJEDNY New Baltimore

MICHAEL TOSCANO Elk Rapids

AMBER LANAE MARTIROSOV Troy

Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists (MSCP) Pharmacist of the Year Award

Other 2023-2024 Awards

Michigan Society of Pharmacy Technicians (MSPT) Pharmacy Technician of the Year

Hank Fuhs Good Government Award

Ernie Koch Striving for Excellence Award

Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) Pharmacist of the Year Award

Consultant and Specialty Pharmacists of Michigan (CSPM) Pharmacist of the Year Award

Good Public Health Policy Award

GOV. GRETCHEN WHITMER

BRANDON FLUES Holly

BATOUL JABER Dearborn Heights

MARK BOMIA Canton

AMY ELLIS Hudsonville Legislator of the Year Award

SEN. SYLVIA SANTANA Senate District 2

JENNIFER PRIZIOLA Macomb

REP. ALABAS FARHAT House District 3

AMY ELLIS Hudsonville

JIM LILLY Byron Center

MICHAEL KLESPER Kalamazoo GOLD SILVER PLATINUM BRONZE

Reasons Pharmacists Need INCOME PROTECTION

Protecting the income you have worked so hard to earn is a smart move. It took years of training, education and commitment to get where you are. Now you have a lifestyle and a financial future to protect if you become too sick or hurt to work.

Here are five reasons to consider protecting your income:

1. You rely on your income: It makes paying for your house, car and other important assets possible. You insure those assets, why not your income?

2. It provides a constant income stream: Individual disability insurance pays you monthly benefits if you can no longer work in your occupation when a disabling illness or injury occurs.

3. You can customize coverage: You can be confident that your coverage can meet the unique needs of pharmacists like you.

4. Your policy is yours: Even if you change jobs or employers in the future, your policy goes with you, wherever you go.

5. It is more affordable than you think: Coverage usually costs 1-3% of your income. Many professionals have been grateful they had income protection when facing difficult and unexpected illnesses and injuries. Most people do not want it until they need it – and when they need it, they may not be able to get it. Give PSI Insurance Agency a call to discuss this or other insurance concerns.

LOCAL ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT: GREAT LAKES BAY PHARMACY ASSOCIATION

BY JILL COVYEOU, Pharm.D.; GLBPA chairperson

Number of years as MPA Member and number of years with Local: MPA Member since 2008; on local board since 2008.

When was your Local Association formed?: The Great Lakes Bay Pharmacy Association (GLBPA) was originally formed as the Midland County Pharmacists Association (MCPA). In 2011, the association absorbed Bay and Saginaw counties, which did not have active local associations, to become the GLBPA. During this transition, it was important to our members that we become the Great Lakes Bay Pharmacy Association, as opposed to the Great Lakes Bay Pharmacists Association, to represent the changing demographic of the association membership.

How did you learn about your Local Association?: We have relied heavily on word of mouth and recruitment by our membership to attract new members. We like to highlight that membership with the local association is one of the benefits of membership in MPA! The GLBPA has identified new member recruitment as a focus area for the upcoming year; so, we hope to add to our membership through more strategic methods.

Where and when does your Local Association hold meetings?: The GLBPA generally holds one membership meeting each year and at least one social/recruiting event per year. Meetings and events are held at various locations around the Great Lakes Bay region and the dates depend on the specific event. Members can get information on meetings and events through the quarterly newsletter and our Facebook page.

Why do you feel it is valuable to support and join a Local Association? How has it benefitted you?: Local associations give members the benefit of being able to connect with colleagues and gain leadership experience. Having time to interact and network with colleagues outside of a work setting is so important to feeling connected to the pharmacy community. The local association also gives members the opportunity to take on leadership roles and grow their professional development.

Do you have a favorite event or memory related to your Local Association?: This year we had a holiday party with our annual membership meeting. It was really nice to see some new people, including students and residents, attend an event. We were able to have a nice dinner, recognize the people who have supported the association over the years and host a toy collection for the holidays. We can’t wait to see what next year’s meeting will bring!

Please list any upcoming events (Continuing Education, Membership recruitment or social events): Our Executive Board recently completed 2024 strategic planning and distributed a membership engagement survey in March. The information obtained from this survey will influence the planned activities through the year. Our next planned event will be volunteering at the McLaren 5K races in May. (More information will be coming soon!)

Who is a good contact at your Local Association for further information and questions?

Jill Covyeou: jillcovyeou@ferris.edu (Chairperson)

Stephanie LaPointe: stephanieleighlapointe@gmail.com (President)

Lindsay Simonetti: lnsimonetti@gmail.com (President-elect)

2024 LOCAL ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

Capital Area Pharmacists Association

Susan Benivegna, chair

Todd Belding, president

Curtis Smith, treasurer

Sarah Eagleston, secretary

Tim Ekola, MSHP liaison

C.J. Heisler, MSPT liaison

Sandy Campbell

Stacey Pearl

Rachel Griffieon

Julie Terenzi

Cathy Edick

Jeff Ackerman

Genesee County Pharmacists Association

Max Charron, chair

Cindy Gillespie, president

Rebekah Mahoney, president-elect

Monica Allen, treasurer

Jackie McDonnell, secretary

Karli Combs

Richard Young

Bradley Haan

Melissa Murphy

Dan Elliott

Bethany Folland

Bryan Homberg

Martin Rodriguez

Great Lakes Bay Pharmacy Association

Jill Covyeou, chair

Stephanie Lapointe, president

Lindsay Simonetti, president-elect

Blake Bobkowski, treasurer

Ian Bradley, secretary

Erin Weiss

Brandon Paten

Edward Wright

Katherine Grant

Jackson Area Pharmacists Association

Kyle Kronemeyer, president

Joann Sanborn, vice president/treasurer

Grant Brown, secretary

Kent County Pharmacists Association

Brooke Roe, president

Michelle Kelly, past-president

Sara Brown, president-elect

Susan Devuyst-Miller, treasurer

Courtney Biehl, secretary

Thomas Magnifico

Tom Burns

Violet Hiltunen

Adam King

Steven Philips

Macomb County Pharmacists Association

Jennifer Priziola, president

Denise Markstrom, past-president

Dena Welicki, president-elect

Rod Sharp, treasurer

John Brubaker, secretary

Jim Kaski

Kayla Craig

Stephanie Patsarikas

Northwestern Michigan Pharmacists Association

Kathy Ann Dugan, president

Patricia Michautka

Secretary (vacant)

Oakland County Pharmacists Association

Rony Foumia, chair

Lisa Ausmus, president

Saima Mirza, treasurer

Melanie Nickerson, secretary

Stuart Bas

Wejdan Azzou

Anthony Coppola

Lindsey Ghringhelli

Sarah Lerchenfeldt

Hanadi Thomas-Salamey

Eric Nordan

Joseph Paul Javier, Wayne State University student

Taif Afat, Wayne State University student

Sarah Schang, University of Michigan student

Southwest Michigan Pharmacists Association

William Urfer, chair/information officer

Michael Alverson, president

Megan Werner, president-elect

Amy Smendik, treasurer

Janet K. Urfer, secretary

Julie Koppers

Nancy Syserda

Upper Peninsula Division

Gabrielle Smith, chair

Abigail Fenton, president

Dave Campana, treasurer

John Fritsche, secretary

Tyler Jenema

Kari Waise

Rene Koski

Josh Havirka

Caren Heath

Karen Fenton

Wayne County Pharmacists Association

Daniel Lobb, chair

Keith Binion, president

Mark Bomia, treasurer

Ali Khanafer, secretary

John Mohler, resident agent

Greg Baise

Andrew Britton

Jessica Efta

Stephanie Everard

Sarah Hill

Matt McTaggart

Nohal “Nano” Mekkaoui

Maria Young

Ghada Abdallah

Nour Ghamrawi

Valerie Kelley-Bonner

Insaf Mohammad

John Mohler

Karen Purell-Kobel

Thomas Rolands

Obioma Opara, student

LOCAL MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Capital Area Pharmacists Association

May 13: Scholarship Fundraiser, Culver's Restaurant Okemos (Okemos Road south of Jolly Road), 5-8 p.m.

May 22: CAPA board meeting; CE presentation, in-person, "Immunization Update"

June 29: Advent House Ministries Outreach Dinner Preparation

Oct. 24: CAPA board meeting; CE presentation, in-person, “Wits & Wagers”

Dec. 3: CAPA board meeting; CE presentation, in-person/virtual, “Hormonal Contraceptives and Collaborative Practice Agreements”

Contact: capapharm@gmail.com

Great Lakes Bay Pharmacy Association

April 23: GLBPA meeting, 6 p.m.

May 4: Volunteer work at McLaren 5K Races

Kent County Pharmacists Association

April 16: KCPA meeting at Noco Provisions, 7 p.m.

May 21: KCPA meeting

Macomb County Pharmacists Association

April 18: General meeting

May 16: General meeting

June 20: General meeting

July 11: MCPA Board meeting

Oakland County Pharmacists Association

May 9: OCPA meeting, 7 p.m.

Wayne County Pharmacists Association

April 16: WCPA meeting

May 21: WCPA meeting

June 18: WCPA meeting

Contact your local association:

Capital Area Pharmacists Association: capapharm@gmail.com; website: capapharm.org

Genesee County Pharmacists Association: geneseepharmacists@gmail.com; website: geneseepharmacists.org

Great Lakes Bay Pharmacy Association: greatlakesbaypharmacy@gmail.com; website: sites.google.com/a/glbpa. com/great-lakes-bay-pharmacy-association/home

Jackson Area Pharmacists Association: Kyle Kronemeyer, president, kylerph@comcast.net

Kent County Pharmacists Association: kcpapharmacists@gmail.com

Macomb County Pharmacists Association: mcpa586@gmail.com

MPA Upper Peninsula Division: Abigail Fenton, president, afenton20212@gmail.com

Oakland County Pharmacists Association: Rony Foumia, chair, rony.foumia@ascension.org

Southwest Michigan Pharmacists Association: William Urfer, chair/information officer weu123@aol.com; website: swmpa.org

Wayne County Pharmacists Association: waynepharmacists@gmail.com

CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR (CGM) BILLING AND SUPPLY ALLOWANCE

BY TRENTON THIEDE, Pharm.D., MBA, president, PAAS National®, expert third-party audit assistance and FWA/HIPAA compliance

CMS has issued an update on the Glucose Monitor - Policy Article1, effective Jan. 1, 2024. A supplier now has the option to bill and dispense up to a 90-day supply for procedure codes A4238 (Adjunctive CGM) and A4239 (NonAdjunctive CGM).

The policy article states:

“Up to a maximum of three (3) months, ninety (90) days of the supply allowance may be billed for code A4238 or A4239 to the DME MAC at a time and suppliers may not dispense more than a ninety (90) day supply.”

Below is a helpful chart to categorize the Dexcom and FreeStyle CGM products, their respective NCPDP billing units, and corresponding days’ supply.

PAAS Tips:

• When billing Medicare Part B claims for procedure codes A4238 or A4239, claims are billed as one unit of service (UOS) per 30 days

• The NCPDP billing units shown in the chart above would apply to non-Medicare Part B claims

• A CGM supply allowance includes all items necessary for the use of the device and includes, but is not limited to, CGM sensors and transmitters

o For adjunctive CGMs , the supply allowance code (A4238), does not include supplies for a Blood Glucose Monitor (BGM.). Any required BGM supplies must be billed separately

o For non-adjunctive CGMs, the supply allowance code (A4239), also includes a home BGM and related supplies in the bundled payment (test strips, lancets, lancing device, calibration solution and batteries)

• The supplier must monitor usage and verify the beneficiary has sufficient supplies to last for each 30day billing period

• Utilize the CGM Supply Allowance Billing Calculator found on your DME MAC website to help determine when the next date of service can be billed

o CGS2

o Noridian3

• Check the same/similar tool in myCGS4 for a complete claim history to be sure the patient has not received supplies from another supplier in the last 30 or 90 days

• If the patient requires a replacement sensor, transmitter, or receiver due to a product failure, be sure to document and replace the item while reaching out to the manufacturer

• Beware that any PBM, including Medicare B, will recoup or deny a claim if it is refilled too soon based on days’ supply guidelines above

REFERENCES:

1. https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?a rticleId=52464&ContrID=140

2. https://www.cgsmedicare.com/medicare_dynamic/jc/k0553/index.aspx

3. https://med.noridianmedicare.com/web/jadme/search-result/-/ view/2230703/continuous-glucose-monitor-cgm-supply-allowancecalculator

4. https://mycgsportal.com/mycgs/