NACDS advances a pro-patient and pro-pharmacy agenda. For the ultimate benefit of the consumers served by NACDS members, the mission of NACDS is to advance the interests and objectives of the chain community pharmacy industry, by fostering its growth and promoting its role as a provider of healthcare services and consumer products.
NACDS ACCOMPLISHES THIS MISSION THROUGH FOUR STRATEGIC GOALS:
Foster an advantageous business and political environment in which NACDS chain member companies are better able to achieve their business objectives.
The NACDS RxIMPACT grassroots advocacy program proves essential to this work, presenting opportunities for pharmacy personnel to explain to legislators first-hand the opportunities of pharmacy patient care and the ramifications of highly nuanced issues. Beyond virtual advocate meetings taking place throughout 2020-2021 given the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill face-to-face of 2019 recruited 424 pharmacy advocates from all 50 states to reach every Congressional office in person. In addition, over the past decade, legislators and staff have participated in more than 700 NACDS RxIMPACT pharmacy tours and other events “back home” in Congressional Districts and states.
Promote the role and value of chain community pharmacy as an integral component of the healthcare system, thus helping to preserve its viability.
From testifying before Congress to engaging with the media, NACDS tells the true story of pharmacies as the face of neighborhood healthcare. NACDS’ positions are substantiated with authoritative data and research, as well as compelling accounts from those on the front line of pharmacy patient care and from those active in patient advocacy groups. In addition, NACDS presents training programs for pharmacists to supplement their extensive education in emerging areas of pharmacy patient care, and collaborates with partners to advance studies published in leading health journals.
Provide effective channels of communication, involvement and forums for members and other stakeholders.
NACDS brings together diverse retailers and suppliers through an integrated calendar of annual events – which have been referred to as the gold standard of industry conferences. The events are carefully constructed to present top-to-top executive sessions, strategic and tactical discussions of relevance to the entire store, and insights from respected industry members and notable authorities from the national stage. NACDS also thrives as a member-driven trade association through the committees, councils and task forces that facilitate communication on cutting-edge issues.
Ensure that NACDS internally operates as a cutting edge association, effectively meeting the needs of its membership.
NACDS consistently earns honors from national entities that observe the trade association, professional society and not-for-profit industries. It has been recognized as an organization with strong leadership, as a desirable place to work, as a contributor to sustainable commuting policies, and as an innovator in diverse member programs and services. NACDS accomplishes this through a disciplined approach to executing the strategic plan and positions set by the NACDS Board of Directors.
In 2023, NACDS reflected on its work as the collective and collaborative will of the members.
