•From the President • David C. Phillips, PharmD, BCPS
Making Lemonade out of Lemons As spring begins and new life emerges, many are finding it difficult to be excited about the future as we face an unprecedented health crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic. In this time of uncertainty, it is crucial for North Carolina pharmacists to come together and support one another and our profession. Often when faced with a crisis, opportunities will present themselves. Maxwell Maltz said it best, “Close scrutiny will show that most ‘crisis situations’ are opportunities to either advance, or stay where you are.” Pharmacists across the world, including those in this great state of North Carolina, are rallying together to help fight the battle against COVID-19. As discussed in the March, Special Issue E-News, NCAP has been appointed to the North Carolina COVID-19 Health Care Coalition. This will allow NCAP and other stakeholders to disseminate information and gather data surrounding the current pandemic. In addition to the coalition, NCAP has signed onto numerous letters to state and federal government agencies
and personnel, highlighting what pharmacists can do and requesting waivers for regulations and other issues that hamper our ability to provide patient care. For more information visit the E-News for resources and information related to COVID-19. Also, watch your email and visit NCAP’s website regularly for the most up-todate information.
While it may be difficult to see beyond the COVID-19 pandemic at this time, we must build upon the legislative momentum NCAP generated in 2019 and push forward to advance our profession in 2020. As Dr. Penny Shelton, Executive Director, discusses in her letter (discussed in the 2019 Annual Report), 2019 was a very successful year for NCAP’s grassroots efforts. As we look forward in 2020, NCAP has established a robust legislative agenda including Senate Bill 432 and House Bill 659. Other issues on our legislative and regulatory radar for 2020 and 2021 are tele-pharmacy, medical cannabis, and long-term care medication access and disposal issues. Additionally, investigating the pharmacist’s role in treatment access for public health issues such as hormonal contraceptives, substance use disorders, as well as vaping and tobacco cessation. More detailed information can be found in the Legislative Newsletter posted to NCAP’s website. Also, watch the on-demand video recorded by our lobbyist, Tony Page 3
Solari, to learn more about our advocacy plans and legislative agenda. Finally, do not forget to mark your calendars for Legislative Day on June 9th. The event will be held virtually if necessary, but more details will be provided as the date comes closer.
Although it is hard to celebrate in times like these, I must recognize the fact that NCAP’s 20th anniversary is this year. 20 in 2020! This is a historical moment for pharmacy in North Carolina, and we should recognize and be proud of everything that has been accomplished. Keep your eyes out for more information in the coming weeks and months on how you can be a part of this momentous celebration.
In closing, I want to thank all pharmacists in North Carolina and across the world who are joining forces on the frontlines to combat COVID-19. We once again have an opportunity to display our capabilities and why pharmacists are one of the most trusted professionals. In the end, our determination and resilience will prevail, and we will succeed. I am proud to be a pharmacist in North Carolina, and I am calling on all North Carolina pharmacists to join NCAP in this fight. Relentless. Forward. Progress. Dave
