— BIOS AND MEMORIES —
FORMER STATE REP EHARDT REMEMBERED PHARMACY ADVOCATE DIES AT 66 BY MARY WARDELL, communications
manager, Michigan Pharmacists Association
Stephen R. Ehardt, past president of the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) and former state representative, died Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Boyne City, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and service. A longtime resident of Lexington, Mich., Ehardt was 66 and had been diagnosed with cancer. President and CEO of Ehardt’s Pharmacy, Inc. for 36 years, Ehardt served as MPA president in 1999 and received MPA’s Pharmacist of the Year Award in 2005. He was born June 13, 1955, in Port Huron to the late Robert and Catherine (Matthews) Ehardt, and he married Ardis Adams in 1979. Ehardt earned a pharmacy degree from Ferris State University and did postgraduate work in geriatric pharmacy and nutrition. Ehardt served as a Republican State House representative from 19992004. He was memorialized in an article by Gongwer News Service as “a big man with a distinct coiffe of red hair” who cut an imposing figure at the Capitol and brought unmatched passion to his priorities. In his final term in the House, Ehardt was chair of the Health Policy Committee where he spearheaded a series of bills designed to relieve local pharmacies of some insurer-imposed requirements, according to Gongwer. Insurance lobbyists mounted a furious effort to block Ehardt’s approach in favor of rival legislation. His fellow House Republicans followed Ehardt for most of the debate, but eventually, the lobbyists won over most House Republicans, along with the Democrats and the Senate.
IN TRIBUTE
HERM FISHMAN, RPH BY LOU SESTI, former MPA CEO, 1966-1994 Coming off years of political in-fighting and power politics within the Michigan Board of Pharmacy, organized pharmacy was able to advocate through the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) for a new kind of leadership. It succeeded in securing the appointment of Pharmacist Herm Fishman by then Gov. George Romney to be secretary of the Board of Pharmacy – what was then a powerful position within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Fishman was a Wayne State University College of Pharmacy graduate and an active member of the since-disbanded Downriver Pharmacists Association. Fishman brought a new kind of public and professional responsibility to the work of the board in both the licensing of qualified pharmacy graduates and the professional practice of licensed pharmacists. Fishman bridged the gap between the unique role of the Board of Pharmacy in its responsibility to advance public health and safe pharmacy practices consistent with the then-rapidly changing role of pharmacists. Fishman respected the synergistic role, yet distinctly different responsibilities, of the colleges of pharmacy in Michigan, the
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It was an incredible, emotional scene on the House floor, according to Gongwer. Ehardt gave an impassioned, tearful speech warning against the rival legislation. He received a standing ovation, followed by a loss in the vote. Then-Rep. Charlie LaSata, a fellow Republican who stood with Ehardt, derided the standing ovation as a “clap and screw.” His speech concluded, Ehardt collapsed into his seat, inconsolable, as fellow members tried to buck him up. Ehardt’s start in politics began in local government as a member of the Lexington Planning Commission. He later was elected to the village council, where he served for 10 years, and was a member of the CrosLex Chamber of Commerce. He was CEO of Your Primary Care, LLC, created in 2017, and was also a member of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). Paul Schmansky, a fraternity brother and fellow MPA board member, knew Ehardt since the early 1970s. “He paid attention to what needed to be done and did whatever he could do to get it done – that’s why he went to the Legislature,” Schmansky recalled. “He put in a lot of time for the community and for the profession. He was an outstanding, quality individual, a dear friend, and a great advocate. He leaves behind a powerful legacy.” Ehardt enjoyed golf, tennis, motorcycles, fishing and sailing, and he was an instrument rated pilot. He is survived by his wife Ardie; son Allen and daughter Erica (Scott) Hooker; three grandchildren Colton, Easton and Sutton; brothers Paul (Helen), John (Robin) and Philip (Kelly).
association and the licensure power of the Board of Pharmacy. Fishman was always available to the profession, often speaking at statewide meetings, at local association meetings and serving on critical committees and task forces of the association. Fishman was “on the job” when Michigan implemented the prescription drug program by Medicaid and, a year later, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Prescription Drug Program for United Auto Workers (UAW) members on July 1, 1969. Fishman was again “on duty” when the Public Health Code was first adopted by the Michigan Legislature in 1978, which, for the first time, codified all licensing and registration laws relative to every health occupation. Fishman was again there when the profession wrestled with the existence and functioning of pharmacy supportive personnel now known as pharmacy technicians, which previously were not even allowed within the pharmacy practice area. Herm’s leadership within all the health licensing boards, coupled with his integrity, sustainability, as well as his management and governance style, led to his promotion as deputy director of the department for two administrations prior to his retirement. Pharmacist Fishman was a man of honor and professional integrity. He was a humble man, yet also a person very proud of his profession as Michigan pharmacy achieved pinnacle achievements within national pharmacy circles. Herm was dedicated in so many ways, among them to his family, friends and profession. He is preceded in death by his wife, Kate. He is survived by his treasures – his children: Sherri Prins, Tamara Brandt and Greg Fishman.
