MPhA Leadership Summit and House of Delegates Event Recap

Thanks to all who joined us on Thursday, June 10, for our Leadership Summit and House of Delegates event! American Pharmacists Association (APhA) President Sandra Leal, PharmD, started the day with an inspirational message about how important it is (and how easy it is) to advocate for our patients, our profession and ourselves by being the active ingredient in our lives.

Incoming MPhA President Allyson Schlichte introduced herself and shared her theme for the coming year, “Take Yourself Off Mute.” “It’s time for us to share our voices,” she said, pointing to how many pharmacists have provided COVID-19 vaccines along with all the other important work we accomplish.

Dr. Schlichte shared that MPhA is creating strategies to engage new practitioners more strongly and engage members to participate in MPhA more fully. Here are some of her calls to action:

• Participate in a committee
• Send feedback to the Board
• Talk to your students about membership
• Bring a friend to a meeting
• Ask a pharma rep to sponsor an event

Executive Director Sarah Derr gave an update on the 2021 session of the Minnesota Legislature. She explained that any unfinished business will still be on the table in 2022. MPhA and our advocacy partners were successful in advocating for the Medicare rate to administer COVID-19 vaccinations for Medicaid patients at $40 per administration. We have also had legislation introduced that will increase the Medicaid Cost of Dispensing rate from $10.48 to $10.77 and allow for telehealth — including remote MTM — which we anticipate will be passed this year. “We’ve actually gained a few new champions for pharmacy this year who we weren’t expecting,” Dr. Derr said.

Andrew P. Traynor, PharmD, Assistant Dean for Experiential Education at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, led a session called, “You’re Such a Pharmacist!” about how we can enhance the positive view of pharmacists in the public arena.

During the House of Delegates meeting, 2020-2021 President Michelle Johnson discussed the state of the organization. While our plans for the year didn’t always go as planned, many actions were accomplished despite or even because of the pandemic.

APhA delegates were chosen: Michelle Johnson, Michelle Aytay, Lauren Ostlund, Madeline Davies, and Jason Varin (alternate). NCPA delegates were chosen: Saida Mohamed, Laura Schwartzwald and Mike Schwartzwald.

MPhA Past President Craig Else (Fairview Pharmacy Services) was recognized for his years of service to the association and presented virtually with the traditional green jacket. Michelle Johnson (Fairview Pharmacy Services) was recognized for her dedicated service and steadfast leadership as 2020-2021 President and presented virtually with the President’s gavel.

If you were not able to attend the event, our morning sessions will be available for replay soon in the MPhA Learning Center.

Many Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Gold Sponsors: Johnson & Johnson • Eli Lilly and Company • National Association of Chain Drug Stores • Partnership for Safe Medicines • Pharmacists Mutual
Silver Sponsor: Novo Nordisk • OneOme