Dec. 1, 2009

A little more than two years has passed since the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations implemented a series of major changes to assure our ability to fulfill our mission and vision of helping advance pharmacy practice and the viability of state professional associations.  Some of those changes were easily apparent to our members -- we hired our first full-time staff and changed our name to better reflect who we are and who we represent. 

It's easy, however, to overlook the more subtle changes that have helped bring our organization further along than many of us had even dared hope. 

Through outreach efforts to other national organizations to promote stronger ties and enhanced communication, NASPA is now recognized as the organization providing grassroots connection and communication to pharmacists across the nation. NASPA has worked with these groups to assure that state pharmacist associations and their membership have a voice at the national level. It is our plan to continue to strengthen these collaborations. 

As an associate member you will benefit from the diverse information shared from live meetings, Listserve messages and electronic newsletters. In addition, critical information relevant to state pharmacy associations can be shared through the same venues. Each year’s dues include registration to three meetings, dissemination of information you need to reach each state executive director, logo of your company on the NASPA Web site and a separate associate members meeting once yearly. 

Even in these difficult economic times NASPA has been successful in identifying financial resources and programs to provide valuable information, services and greater support to our members. NASPA has sought input and listened to all of your suggestions on how to make state pharmacy associations successful for the long-term. Many of those suggestions have lead to initiatives that are directly benefiting the membership and more are in development. 

We have has steadfastly advanced the 2015 vision of pharmacy through our efforts to assure the sustainability of state pharmacy associations, to advance pharmacy practice and by taking a leadership role in pharmacy quality initiatives.

As president, my hope is that you have seen the benefits of this organization and are as equally committed to continuing your support of NASPA as I am. I believe it is essential that your membership continues to be a part of this unique growing force within the profession. We are truly an alliance that delivers on its promise to advance the profession of pharmacy.

As Robert Kennedy once said: “The future does not belong to those who are content with today, apathetic toward common problems and their fellow man alike, timid and fearful in the face of bold projects and new ideas. Rather, it will belong to those who can blend passion, reason and courage in a personal commitment to the great enterprises and ideals of American society."

I look forward to our continued cooperation as we individually and collectively create that future.

Sincerely,
Baeteena Black, D.Ph.
NASPA President