Press Release

NACDS Supports Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin’s Innovative Project to Optimize Patient Care Community pharmacy based pilot helps expand pharmacists’ role in direct patient care services

admin2016-10-12T13:10:00-04:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: Drug_Safety, Medications, States|

Arlington, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), in partnership with the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin, today announced plans to move forward with a new practice model to improve patient access to quality and efficient care, and advance pharmacy in a broader healthcare setting.

The innovative pilot project, “Advancing Community Pharmacy Quality: Leveraging Tech-Check-Tech to Expand Patient Care Services in Community Pharmacies,” aims to promote better access to patient care. Specifically, the pilot will examine a new practice model that fosters collaboration across healthcare settings and employs an enhanced operational model. This new practice model holds promise in transforming the nation’s healthcare system to deliver better access to clinical care by leveraging health care resources in a smarter way while ensuring patient safety and high operating standards.

Key component of this model involves trained and validated pharmacy technicians completing the final check of a prescription filled by another technician, a pharmacy technician verification process known as tech-check-tech (TCT). This process allows pharmacists to reinvest the time saved by providing direct patient care services such as immunizations, disease state testing and medication therapy management, among others, which has a positive impact on overall patient outcomes.

“NACDS is pleased to partner with the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin on this project, which utilizes the full potential of pharmacists’ skills and shows great promise for improving patient access to care and healthcare outcomes,” said NACDS President & CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. “Pharmacists are well-positioned to meet the growing demand for healthcare services, and this project provides a proving ground to demonstrate the collaborative role pharmacy is able to play in an evolving healthcare system.”

Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin Executive Vice President & CEO Christopher Decker, RPh, said, “The people of Wisconsin will benefit from greater access to patient care services and enhanced patient safety as a result of this pilot. The Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin looks forward to partnering with community pharmacies as we implement and advance this exciting patient-care initiative.”

NACDS is supporting the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin with the pilot, which also includes collaboration with researchers from Concordia University. The Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board approved the pilot at their board meeting on September [ READ MORE ]

NACDS Foundation Launches Accessible Tuberculosis Treatment and Prevention Study in New Mexico Early detection and accessible treatment key factors in tuberculosis prevention

admin2016-09-29T11:51:14-04:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: NACDS_Foundation|

Arlington, Va. – The NACDS Foundation today announced the launch of its newest research initiative, Improving Access Project: Tuberculosis Testing and Latent Tuberculosis Infection Treatment in Community Pharmacies. The Foundation study, led by principle investigators at the University of New Mexico, is designed to evaluate the impact of expanding access to community testing for latent tuberculosis infections (LTBI). The study coincides with a recent recommendation from the United States Preventative Task Force advising that asymptomatic adults at higher risk for LTBI should be screened in primary care settings.

“This study exemplifies key goals of the NACDS Foundation because it seeks to evaluate the impact of enhanced patient access of TB testing on patient outcomes, by engaging healthcare partners to extend the fantastic work of the state health department.”

Tuberculosis (TB) testing and LTBI treatment are important public health services and have been the cornerstone of TB prevention in the United States. The goal of this collaborative project is two-fold: (1) to survey patients and understand their healthcare experience and perception of receiving TB testing in the community setting, and (2) to evaluate improved patient health outcomes and access to care when TB testing and LTBI treatment are provided in the community pharmacy setting. The study will explore models to increase patient access to tuberculosis skin tests and immediate follow-up treatment as an effort to limit transmission.

“This study exemplifies key goals of the NACDS Foundation because it seeks to evaluate the impact of enhanced patient access of TB testing on patient outcomes, by engaging healthcare partners to extend the fantastic work of the state health department,” said NACDS Foundation President Kathleen Jaeger.

The University of New Mexico has confirmed the participation of seven community pharmacies and will begin rolling out services in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, N.M., as part of the study. Patients who seek care in participating sites will be counseled by trained pharmacists on risk factors and prevention and those with positive test results will enter directly observed therapy immediately after being referred to the New Mexico Department of Health Tuberculosis Program. A 12-week medication regimen and education plan will be provided for patients at no cost—patients will be able to choose [ READ MORE ]

Late-Night TV’s Seth Meyers to Keynote 2016 NACDS Foundation Dinner Emmy Award-winning Late Night with Seth Meyers host brings humor and perspective to current events; known for philanthropic engagement in healthcare

admin2016-09-21T22:41:06-04:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: NACDS_Foundation|

Arlington, Va. –Emmy-award-winning writer and Saturday Night Live alumnus Seth Meyers will headline the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation Dinner, which will be held on December 1, 2016, in New York City. The sharp-witted and engaging comedian currently hosts Late Night with Seth Meyers on NBC. The New York Timesrecently referred to Meyers as the “smartest talk show host” of his generation.

We look forward to welcoming someone with such a strong reputation for giving back, as Seth Meyers does through his engagement and support for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, among others.

In its 18th year, the NACDS Foundation Dinner and contributions from the Foundation’s benefactors help support evidence-based research that advances patient care, pharmacy education, student scholarships, and charitable organizations that improve patient outcomes.

The Foundation has continued to advance its mission this year through several vital initiatives, including a collaborative response to the Zika virus public health emergency with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the CDC Foundation, the March of Dimes and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the Zika virus and protect at-risk populations in Puerto Rico and the U.S.

The Foundation is also partnering with more than 100 pharmacies on an innovative Point-of-Care Testing program to chart the health benefits of community-based services for a variety of common ailments and infections. In addition, as public health authorities raise awareness about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing and Hepatitis C awareness as a way to prevent liver damage and liver cancer, a study funded by the Foundation is evaluating a model which would improve patient care by increasing access to important HIV and Hepatitis C testing. Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting pharmacy education, the Foundation also provided $230,000 in scholarships and grants through its 2016 NACDS Foundation Scholarship Program.

“As the Foundation comes together during the NACDS Foundation Dinner to celebrate accomplishments and renew commitments to advancing patient care, we look forward to the unique perspective Seth Meyers will bring – in what has certainly been a year filled with turbulent political and world events,” said NACDS Foundation President Kathleen Jaeger. “In addition, we look forward to welcoming [ READ MORE ]

NACDS Promotes Tom O’Donnell to Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Policy Brings nearly 30 years of Congressional and advocacy experience to leadership of NACDS’ federal and state public policy, government affairs, grassroots and political programs

admin2016-09-08T14:17:54-04:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: NACDS|

Arlington, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) has promoted Thomas A. O’Donnell to senior vice president, government affairs and public policy, effective September 7, 2016. O’Donnell has served as vice president, federal government affairs, since joining the NACDS staff team on July 9, 2012. In his new capacity, O’Donnell will report to NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE.

Tom has succeeded in applying his exceptional knowledge of government and politics to the member-centric and patient-centric approach that defines NACDS.

“Tom has succeeded in applying his exceptional knowledge of government and politics to the member-centric and patient-centric approach that defines NACDS,” Anderson said. “He has proven himself to be a highly trusted and effective advocate on important issues that relate directly to NACDS members’ success in serving as the face of neighborhood healthcare across the nation. We look forward to his leadership of the exceedingly talented NACDS government affairs and public policy team, to his collaboration as a member of NACDS’ senior staff, and to his continuing and keen focus on serving the NACDS membership.”

Up to this point, O’Donnell has provided leadership for NACDS’ federal government affairs programs, including direct advocacy on Capitol Hill, the NACDS RxIMPACT grassroots program, and the NACDS Political Action Committee (NACDS-PAC). In his new capacity, he will add leadership responsibility for Executive Branch advocacy, public policy analysis, and state government affairs.

O’Donnell has built a nearly three-decade career as a Congressional staff member and as a government affairs professional. Prior to joining NACDS in 2012, he served as chief-of-staff to three members of the U.S. House of Representatives, most recently for U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ) and previously for U.S. Reps. Phil Hare (D-IL) and Rush Holt (D-NJ).

He also served as a professional staff member for the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, spanning three Congresses from 1997 through 2002. His Capitol Hill experience also includes legislative positions with U.S. Reps. Lane Evans (D-IL) and Patricia Schroeder (D-CO).

In addition to O’Donnell’s tenure with NACDS, his experience as an advocate includes a nearly five-year tenure as director of congressional affairs for Continental Consulting Group Corporation, where he focused on veterans’ affairs, national security [ READ MORE ]

NACDS, NFID Partner to Offer Webinar for Pharmacists on Preteen and Teen Vaccinations August 23 webinar will remain available on NACDS Learner Community site

admin2016-08-22T14:32:58-04:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: Preparedness, Vaccinations|

Arlington, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) is collaborating with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) to present a live webinar, “Vaccines for Preteens and Teens: The Importance of Timely Vaccination for All Adolescents,” on Tuesday, August 23, at 12:00 noon (EDT). Registration is necessary to participate.

Initially accredited for physicians, the webinar now is available to pharmacists as a result of the NACDS and NFID partnership. The webinar and continuing education (CE) credits are open to all interested parties. One hour of CE credit will be available for this program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Following the live webinar, the program will be available on NACDS’ and NFID’s web portals as enduring education.

The webinar coincides with the observance of August as National Immunization Awareness Month, and reflects NACDS’ and NFID’s consistent work to promote the public health benefits of vaccinations. Timely adolescent vaccinations are essential for protection from preventable cancers, meningitis and other serious diseases. The increased efforts to raise awareness of the importance of timely adolescent vaccinations are a result of a report created from a discussion convened by NFID in February 2016.

“NACDS is really pleased to be able to partner with NFID on this important initiative. It has the potential to leverage even further the role of pharmacists as convenient access points for vaccinations and as sources of information about important health topics,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. “Particularly since the H1N1 influenza outbreak of 2009, the public health community recognized the important role of using pharmacists to assure pandemic preparedness as well as to foster ongoing healthcare access.

“I hope the pharmacy community and our allies in public health will share the information about the live webinar event and about the enduring education opportunity, so as many pharmacists as possible can benefit from this program.”

“NFID is pleased to partner with NACDS to share this important resource and to further our joint commitment to protecting the public against vaccine-preventable diseases. Working collaboratively with other related organizations and [ READ MORE ]

NACDS TSE Exhibitors Donate Thousands of Products through MCCA’s Conventions C.A.R.E. to Assist Boston Communities

admin2016-08-18T14:29:30-04:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: Community, Conferences, Total_Store_Expo|

Boston – Exhibitors at the 2016 National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Total Store Expo donated several thousand consumer goods to be dispersed to various charitable organizations throughout the Greater Boston community. The NACDS Total Store Expo was held August 6-9 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. I am very grateful to NACDS and their exhibitors for the generous donations that they have supplied to our local community health centers.

NACDS worked with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s (MCCA) Conventions C.A.R.E. (Community Assistance by Responsible Events) program, which is distributing the products to local nonprofit organizations to be dispersed to those in need. The donations included health and wellness products such as vitamins, medications, bandages and first aid supplies.

Conventions C.A.R.E. was established by the MCCA in 2010 to benefit local non-profits, convention and trade show exhibitors, and convention centers. Local nonprofits benefit from useful donations, while exhibitors are saved the time and expense of shipping goods after a show ends. The MCCA and its partners in turn help divert these items from local landfills, which supports the Authority’s commitment to sustainable practices.

“NACDS chain and supplier members are highly engaged in the communities in which they operate, and NACDS reflects that spirit by partnering with the host cities of our conferences in ways that include donations of health and wellness products,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. “We appreciate what the MCCA has done to create Conventions C.A.R.E., which really sets the standard for effectiveness in product donation programs.”

“As a state authority, we are committed to having a positive impact on our host communities by providing support to local non-profit organizations,” said David Gibbons, executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. “I am very grateful to NACDS and their exhibitors for the generous donations that they have supplied to our local community health centers.”

Some of the nonprofit social service agencies that are benefitting from the contribution from NACDS are:

· Condon Community Center

· Gavin Foundation

· Labouré Center

· South Boston Community Health Center

· South Boston Neighborhood House

· Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program

· South Boston en Acción

“Whether it is medical equipment for our Nurse [ READ MORE ]

Winners of NACDS Total Store Expo Product Showcase Announced

admin2016-08-08T12:52:19-04:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: Conferences, Total_Store_Expo|

Boston – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) today announced the winners of the 2016 NACDS Total Store Expo Product Showcase. Products ranging from health and beauty to seasonal items were on display in the “Product Showcase” on the exhibit floor. The Showcase provided increased visibility for suppliers to market their products to retailers.

Evaluated by the retail attendees, winners of this year’s “Product Showcase” are:

Baby Care:

Company: Oilogic

Booth: Booth 1959

Name of Product: Oilogic Essential Oil Care

Consumables:

Company: Mondelez International

Booth: Booth 2133

Name of Product: Oreo Thins

Cosmetics & Fragrances:

Company: SinfulColors / Pure Ice

Booth: Booth 1041

Name of Product: SinfulColors

General Merchandise:

Company/Booth: Navajo Incorporated

Booth: Booth 1651

Name of Product: Qi Wireless Charger

Healthcare/OTC:

Company: Apothecary Products

Booth: Booth 1153

Name of Product: Ezy Dose Easy Fill Pill Planners

Home Healthcare:

Company: 23andMe

Booth: Booth 2431

Name of Product: 23andMe Personal Genetic Service

Household Products/Non-Edible Consumables:

Company: EO Products

Booth: Booth 965

Name of Product: Everyone Aromatherapy

Personal Care/HBC:

Company: OraLabs, Inc.

Booth: Booth 881

Name of Product: Waterless by Gillette Venus

Pharmacy Operations Equipment & Services:

Company: First Databank, Inc. (FDB)

Booth: Booth 2446

Name of Product: Meducation

Pharmacy Products:

Company: Dexcom, Inc.

Booth: Booth 2923

Name of Product: Dexcom G5 Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

Photos of the Product Showcase, as well as of other aspects of the NACDS Total Store Expo, are available via Flickr.

NACDS Leaders Position Pharmacy as Solution-Provider for Nation NACDS Chairman Martin Otto of H-E-B, NACDS President & CEO Steve Anderson highlight solutions to socio-economic dilemmas, political dissatisfaction

admin2016-08-07T12:44:25-04:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: Conferences, Pharmacy_Value, Total_Store_Expo|

Boston – The retailers and suppliers gathered at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Total Store Expo can help to solve diverse challenges facing the nation, as described in a Business Program this morning by NACDS Chairman Martin Otto and NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE.

Otto, who is chief merchant and chief financial officer of H-E-B, described a model that demonstrates the societal value of NACDS members. In fact, he said this model relies on the valuable collaboration that is underway at the NACDS Total Store Expo between business partners in the areas of health-and-wellness and consumer-goods.

“I want to thank the retailers, supplier partners, and sponsors who are engaging so strongly in the NACDS Total Store Expo, and in all of the programs and services of NACDS,” Otto said. “This meeting makes a real positive difference in terms of our businesses’ ability to serve our customers. What we are accomplishing together can ultimately make a tremendous difference on issues that are posing significant challenges to our country.”

Describing unsustainable federal spending on a range of issues including healthcare, education, social programs and defense, Otto said, “We need improved access to quality, affordable healthcare, which pharmacy can help to provide. Healthcare spending is crowding out social services and education dollars. As a result, poverty is increasing, creating a vicious cycle.”

Noting NACDS’ role in advocating for policies that improve access to pharmacy patient care, Otto stated, “The good news is that there are solutions, and we can collectively lead the way.”

“We need long-term, end-to-end thinking about healthcare, its connection to other spending needs, and how individual actions affect the overall system,” Otto said.

In his remarks, Anderson described the declining state of political efficacy in the nation – which refers to the people’s belief that they can affect, and have a say in, the direction of the government – and contrasted that with NACDS’ member-focused and patient-centered approach to everything it does.

He gave examples of NACDS programs which reflect the Association’s “authenticity of mission and effectiveness in action” in addressing challenges like prescription drug abuse and access; improving patient care; fostering retailer-supplier partnerships that benefit consumers; and increasing engagement [ READ MORE ]

NACDS-PAC Honors Hy-Vee, Inc. with Politically Engaged Pharmacy Award at NACDS Total Store Expo Former director of White House communications and New York Times bestselling author Nicolle Wallace delivers remarks at Political Involvement Reception

admin2016-08-06T12:40:59-04:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: Conferences, NACDS-PAC, Total_Store_Expo|

Boston – During the Political Involvement Reception at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Total Store Expo this evening, Hy-Vee, Inc. was honored for its engagement in the NACDS Political Action Committee (NACDS-PAC).

Our team at Hy-Vee really has worked hard to make a difference. Together, we’re stronger than we are individually. This is a nice recognition for all of our folks who have done a lot with NACDS-PAC.

Hy-Vee, Inc. Chairman, CEO and President Randy Edeker, who served as chairman of NACDS from April 2015 to April 2016 and who continues to serve on the NACDS Board of Directors, accepted the 2016 “Politically Engaged Pharmacy Award,” or “PEP” Award. He did so on behalf of Hy-Vee, in recognition of strong, consistent and far-reaching NACDS-PAC involvement throughout the company.

“Our team at Hy-Vee really has worked hard to make a difference,” Edeker said. “Together, we’re stronger than we are individually. This is a nice recognition for all of our folks who have done a lot with NACDS-PAC.”

Richard Ashworth, president of pharmacy and retail operations for Walgreen Co. and chairman of NACDS-PAC, presented the award, saying that the people of Hy-Vee exemplify that “passionate voices can make a world of difference.”

“We present the PEP award to a person – or a company – that’s made a big difference in advancing community pharmacy with policymakers, so we can do more to serve our customers and patients,” Ashworth said, noting that Hy-Vee team members throughout the company have “stepped up big time” to be engaged participants in NACDS-PAC.

The bipartisan NACDS-PAC supports federal congressional candidates who advance pro-patient and pro-pharmacy policies.

In welcoming attendees to the event, Martin Otto, chief merchant and chief financial officer at H-E-B, and chairman of the NACDS Board of Directors, noted that, “NACDS makes it a priority to tell pharmacy’s story to lawmakers and to the public.” In addition to describing the importance of electoral engagement, Otto spoke about the success of the NACDS RxIMPACT grassroots advocacy program.

As part of the get-out-the-vote aspect of NACDS RxIMPACT, NACDS this election season is promoting two video ads – called “Momentum” and [ READ MORE ]

NACDS Launches Initiative to Improve Immunization Rates Three demonstration projects aim to fulfill goals of $800,000 CDC grant to NACDS

admin2016-07-29T12:08:03-04:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: CDC, Preparedness, Vaccinations|

Arlington, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) today announced the launch of three demonstrations projects that aim to foster healthcare collaboration across the care continuum to increase pharmacy-based immunizations.

These demonstration projects seek to improve patient health by aligning the interests of healthcare partners which should increase immunizations and improve the healthcare outcomes of patients across the country.

The goals of the project are for chosen healthcare entities to work together to develop and implement a value-based payment model that is scalable and replicable, and that results in improved immunization rates for a targeted population that are recorded in the appropriate state-based registry. The models also will feature innovative methods for sharing immunization information among the participating health plans or systems, accountable care organizations, community pharmacies and patients. The awardees also will collaborate with public health agencies to improve pandemic vaccine preparedness.

NACDS released a request for proposals in February 2016 seeking proposals that align interest across healthcare stakeholders to drive immunization rates. NACDS received more than 20 proposals and convened an independent review committee comprised of experts in the fields of public health, pharmacy operations, and healthcare quality.

To develop the demonstration projects: (1) The University of Pittsburgh will partner with Giant Eagle and the University of Pittsburgh Welfare Benefit Plan; (2) the University of Nebraska Medical Center will partner with Hy-Vee, the Nebraska Health Network and the University of Iowa Health Alliance; and (3) the University of Washington will partner with Bartell and QFC and the Washington State Health Care Authority.

“Legislators and regulators at the federal and state levels often reference pharmacists’ success in promoting the necessity of vaccines, and in increasing access to them,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. “These demonstration projects seek to improve patient health by aligning the interests of healthcare partners which should increase immunizations and improve the healthcare outcomes of patients across the country.”

The demonstration projects aim to fulfill the goals of an $800,000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant to NACDS, which examines innovative healthcare collaborations designed to demonstrate increased rates of pharmacy-based immunizations including influenza, pneumococcal, pertussis and herpes zoster. The grant also focuses [ READ MORE ]

National Association of Chain Drug StoresPharmacies. The face of neighborhood healthcare.