NASPA ENHANCES YOUR MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT

BY MARK GLASPER, chief executive officer, Michigan Pharmacists Association

I have been a member of the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) for nearly eight years, split between my tenure with the Kentucky Pharmacists Association and now with MPA. Over those years, I have witnessed firsthand the tremendous value that NASPA brings to our work and the broader pharmacy profession. NASPA is not merely a resource – it is a strategic partner, a knowledge hub and an advocate for the vital role pharmacists play in health care.

Networking Key Strength

One of the greatest strengths of NASPA lies in its ability to connect state pharmacy associations across the country. This network, comprised of my state association executive peers, fosters an exchange of innovative ideas, strategies and best practices, allowing us to tackle challenges collectively to better serve our respective memberships. Whether we are addressing legislative concerns, workplace issues or association management issues, NASPA ensures that we do not have to navigate these issues alone.

We hold substantive, in-person meetings each year at the American Pharmacists Association and National Community Pharmacists Association annual meetings. These meetings combine education with networking opportunities to generate ideas that I bring back to MPA for implementation. NASPA’s annual Leadership

Conference, sponsored by Pharmacists Mutual Insurance, hosts only the state executives and their association presidents-elect for an unparalleled bonding experience. This conference has been the source of great ideas for us to implement at MPA, including “blowing up” the ACE awards banquet in favor of a free reception for all attendees and an annual online Governance Orientation for MPA Executive and practice section board members.

Education Benefits MPA Members

NASPA’s commitment to professional development –yours and mine – is another cornerstone of its value. Through its educational programs and resources, it empowers pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to stay at the forefront of industry advancements. For example, programs like the Pharmacy-Based Pointof-Care Test & Treat National Certificate enable our members to expand their skill sets and meet the evolving needs of patients. In collaboration with APhA, NASPA also conducts research to provide comprehensive Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician Vaccination Authority information for all 50 states. We have monthly scope-ofpractice calls to stay up to date on the ever-changing landscape of pharmacy practice and monthly coffee chats just to stay in touch. We also have quite an active listserv, where I maintain more than 50 threads of discussion so I can always look back at what has been done at other state pharmacy associations.

Advocacy Unites Us

Advocacy is integral to the mission of any state pharmacy association, and NASPA amplifies our efforts. From legislative updates to advocacy toolkits, NASPA provides us with the resources needed to champion the interests of pharmacists and the patients you serve. This support has been instrumental in shaping policies that enhance the delivery of pharmacy services and improve public health outcomes.

Moreover, NASPA hosts monthly calls with APhA and NCPA, and periodic calls with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, where state execs get the most up-to-date information on national legislation while we share what is happening in the states with our national partners. NASPA also coordinates sign-on letters with the nationals, so all states have an opportunity to be listed on important letters directed to the president, Congress or federal agencies.

NASPA & MPA Synergies

You may have wondered why NASPA is associated with the OTC Self-Care Competition, held for college of pharmacy teams of our student pharmacists at every Annual Convention & Exposition. NASPA sponsors the popular “Jeopardy!”-style competition, which packs the house each year with MPA members showing their school colors. NASPA also annually sponsors, jointly with APhA, the prestigious Bowl of Hygeia Award and coordinates the Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award, both of which are presented to deserving MPA members at ACE.

I have also had the pleasure of serving on the NASPA Board of Directors and I am now in my final year of my second term, not to mention the many committees on which I have served. It has been an honor to give back to NASPA for all that I have learned over the years.

I might add that I was on the search committee for NASPA’s new CEO a little over a year ago. We overwhelmingly selected Krystal Weaver, Pharm.D., JD, and I look forward to the new heights she takes NASPA and all the state pharmacy associations.

I am proud to partner on behalf of MPA with NASPA to advance the pharmacy profession. Together, we are shaping a future where pharmacists are recognized as essential health care providers and where patients have greater access to the care they need. NASPA’s unwavering commitment to collaboration, education and advocacy makes it an invaluable ally in this journey.