National Perspectives Bring Unity to Pharmacy Profession

Abstract

In March 2018, I had the great privilege of being inducted as the president of the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA). The National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations was founded in 1927 as the National Council of State Pharmacy Association Executives and is dedicated to enhancing the success of state pharmacy associations in their efforts to advance the profession of pharmacy. NASPA's membership is composed of state pharmacy associations and over 70 other stakeholder organizations. NASPA promotes leadership, sharing, learning, and policy exchange among its members and pharmacy leaders nationwide. Although I was just recently elected as president, I have served on the NASPA Board of Directors since 2012 and, in that time, have come to appreciate the benefits and impact NASPA serves as a resource to the profession.It is easy throughout the course of our daily work lives to get a bit of tunnel vision for the multitude of activities that are front and center on our desks. Whether it be legislation that our state pharmacy associations are advocating, curriculum and administration of our nation's schools and colleges of pharmacy, or caring for patients in the many practice settings our pharmacists are serving, we all get busy with our daily affairs.That is where the power of organizations like NASPA are realized. Its mission and purpose are to enhance the success of state pharmacy associations in their efforts to advance the profession of pharmacy. This is done through a number of modes that require an in-depth working relationship with multiple national pharmacy interest groups, including national pharmacy associations, federal agencies, and companies within the pharmacy space. This liaison role is critical for ensuring that those of us who represent the “boots on the ground” in our little corners of the world have a source of information and communication to understand the larger context of issues and opportunities that may be developing.The other importance for having an organization like NASPA participating in the national discussion is its ability to take a number of similar local issues that develop organically and to produce a national compilation of policy or practice reviews. Having a national resource that provides a perspective and linkage to other regions and stakeholders experiencing the same situation is extremely helpful as the profession looks to create common best practices around the country.There is a saying in political circles that “all politics are local.” In pharmacy, that may be true for many more subjects than just politics, and organizations like NASPA are important to ensure there is consistency and communication between local activities and national stakeholders. You may not have ever heard of NASPA, but it should be reassuring to know that there is a national organization that is championing the linkage between what is happening in your sphere of influence in pharmacy and ensuring those important issues become part of a national conversation. If you would like to learn more, please go to www.naspa.us.Jon R. Roth, MS, CAEExecutive Editor