From the President: The Best Laid

times weekly in recent weeks. This has included emergent and timely communication about small business loans and grants from both federal sources and state sources that hundreds of our members were able to successfully apply for and receive.

In addition to relevant information and important advocacy in real time, we’re doing what associations excel at – strategically planning for the future. Discussing long-term implications of COVID-19 on the pharmacy profession and what the ‘next normal’ looks like for pharmacists in Arkansas and for Arkansas Pharmacists Association operations.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Best Laid Plans

Three months ago, I was looking forward to a predictable final quarterofmy term as president ofthe APA. Dealing with onlyafiscal session ofthestatelegislature, planning the June annual convention ofthe APA, attending the NCPAflyin in Washington, D.C., and, unpredictably, I was to have the opportunity to attend the Supreme Court hearing of Rutledge v. PCMA . Oh well...best laid plans and all!!!

As we all know now, all of these events were altered or postponed in some fashion due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Our world has been turned upside down both for the foreseeable future and perhaps forever. I hope all our members are treating this pandemic with the respect it deserves and are able to pursue their professional goals in a cautious and safe manner.

I must take this opportunity to sing the praises of the APA staff. UndertheleadershipofCEOJohn Vinson, theAPAhas been directly responsible for the encyclopedia of information concerning the Covid-19 crisis that has been filtered to the membershipatleastweeklyviatheAPAnewsletter.Hatsoffto Jordan Foster for his talents of assimilation of that information and dissemination in a manner we can all consume and digest. Thanks to Susannah Fuquay for her extraordinary efforts to scratch all her previous plans for another exciting annual convention and bringing alternative venues to the board for consideration. All the while, Celeste Reid, Debra Wolfe and Emily Wilson have maintained their “eyes on the ball” to keep the basic operations and functions of the APA in working order.

AAHP Board

Executive Director.............Susan Newton, Pharm.D., Russellville President..........................Kimberly Young, Pharm.D., Little Rock President-Elect......................Hye Jin Son, Pharm.D., Little Rock Past President...........Erin Beth Hays, Pharm.D., Pleasant Plains Treasurer...........................Kendrea Jones, Pharm.D., Little Rock Secretary..................................Melissa Shipp, Pharm.D., Searcy Board Member at Large.............Gavin Jones, Pharm.D., Benton Board Member at Large........Chad Krebs, Pharm.D., Little Rock Board Member at Large.......Amber Powell, Pharm.D., Little Rock Technician Representative....BeeLindaTemple, CPhT, PineBluff

WWW.ARRX.ORG Whetherornotan association isdefined as‘essential,’ I am convinced that the work of our association has never been more important than it is right now. We represent members of a profession who are 100% essential, and I have never been more excited to work on behalf of the pharmacy profession. APA has embraced this additional and important work and the renewed purpose that comes with serving the profession. From thestaffteam atAPA–thankyou –thankyou foryour dedication to all those you work with and serve. And thank you for the privilege of advocating on your behalf. §

I must also recognize the efforts of these comrades in reaching outside the normal boundaries of the mission of the APA and demonstrating the true heart and soul of the public servants that they represent.

Dean Watts, P.D. 2019 - 2020 President

The manufacture and distribution of hundreds of gallons of hand sanitizer to homeless shelters in Arkansas was the direct result of the collaboration between John Vinson, the schools of pharmacy in Arkansas and pharmacist Lyn Fuchey. Collaboration that was a result of a wish from our friends at the State Health Dept and John Vinson’s desire to return the favor of providing opportunities for all our pharmacist members. The procurement and distribution of thousands of surgical masks to pharmacies in Arkansas was also a collaboration between APA staff and a manufacturer/importer that was introduced to us by pharmacist Eddie Mitchell.

These initiatives were successful due to the diligence and single-mindednessofJohnVinsonandhisstaff.

With that, I will conclude myfinal contribution to this journal. It has been a terrific honor and pleasure to work with the individuals I have mentioned and so many others that have impressed upon me their pride in their chosen profession. A pride they carry for all to see. §

Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy

President..................................Lenora Newsome, P.D., Smackover Vice President/Secretary...Rebecca Mitchell, Pharm.D., Greenbrier Member..........................................Steve Bryant, P.D., Batesville Member................................Lynn Crouse, Pharm.D., Lake Village Member..........................................Brian Jolly, Pharm.D., Beebe Member.......................................Debbie Mack, P.D., Bentonville Public Member........................................Carol Rader, Fort Smith Public Member............................................Amy Fore, Fort Smith