NACDS’ exhibit booth at the National Association of Medicaid Directors 2020 Virtual Conference: Together Towards the Future — an online program to be held November 9-11.
NACDS this week is taking the critical message about flu vaccinations’ importance to the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) 2020 Virtual Conference: Together Towards the Future. The program – which will take place November 9-11 – includes sessions on how Medicaid Directors and their staff are navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, re-envisioning behavioral health, advancing health equity and more.
NACDS will be highly visible during the virtual experience, showcasing NACDS’ flu-vaccination communications materials at an interactive exhibit booth and meeting one-on-one with state Medicaid Directors to raise awareness of pharmacy’s role in ensuring access to quality care among vulnerable and underserved populations.
NACDS’ engagement this week with Medicaid Directors across the 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia is another key way in which NACDS is localizing the message about the importance of receiving routine immunizations such as the flu vaccination – especially this year, as the country faces the convergence of flu and COVID-19.
“A key part of preventing a two-front war with flu and COVID-19 is ensuring that every American – particularly those who are disproportionately affected by healthcare disparities – has access to the flu vaccination. The education, trust and accessibility of pharmacists play a vital role in meeting the health and wellness needs of the nation,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, FASAE, CAE, IOM. “The National Association of Medicaid Directors provides a coordinated voice for the Medicaid program as well as the families and children it serves. As NACDS continues our flu communications campaign throughout this crucial flu season, we are grateful to have the opportunity to communicate directly with Medicaid Directors, senior leaders who – like pharmacies and pharmacists – are committed to providing the best possible healthcare to vulnerable communities and populations in every region of America.”
Today’s news follows NACDS’ participation in programs held by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on October 22 and October 29 respectively. During the virtual events, NACDS took flu-vaccination messages to center stage, discussing pharmacy’s role in providing access, keeping Americans healthy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and empowering the responsible reopening of the nation.
In early September, NACDS spread awareness of flu vaccinations’ importance among state and local leaders at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Base Camp 2020, urging state legislators to convey the critical public health message to their constituents.
Throughout the 2020-2021 flu season, NACDS and more than 80 organizations have been working together as a part of NACDS’ flu-vaccination communications campaign. NACDS’ Flu–Vaccination Communications Toolkit includes video ads, a current list of collaborators and other campaign resources. In addition, NACDS’ TV and radio interviews about the critical topic have reached all 210 of the nation’s media markets.
More information is also available at NACDS.org/COVID-19.
