ASHP is more than just a voice for pharmacy — it’s a highly respected national leader on issues that matter in healthcare, said ASHP President Nishaminy (Nish) Kasbekar during the Dec. 4 kickoff of the 2023 Midyear Clinical Meeting & Exhibition.
“Members of Congress, the White House, and several federal agencies have sought ASHP’s input and expertise, including our recommendations to address the drug shortage crisis and key findings from our recent drug shortages survey report,” Kasbekar said at the meeting’s Opening Session.
She also highlighted ASHP’s leadership on the 340B Drug Pricing Program, including direct advocacy on Capitol Hill and the creation of state-level model legislation to rein in practices by insurers and pharmacy benefit managers that discriminate against 340B hospitals and contract pharmacies.
“We remain steadfast in protecting the 340B Drug Pricing Program,” she affirmed.
In her remarks, Kasbekar invoked her personal motto of “be the change” and the Midyear theme of “imagine the possibilities” to describe ASHP’s important work on behalf of members and the profession.
She drew special attention to the ASHP Leadership Center, which includes resources to guide pharmacists on their personal leadership journey. And she urged attendees to learn about ASHP resources, including the Certified Pharmacy Executive LeaderSM credential and the Pharmacists in C-Suites membership group, that support pharmacists who are or aspire to be healthcare executives.
Kasbekar also showcased the launch of The Pharmacy Technician Society, a new membership home for technicians in all practice settings. She said ASHP envisions TPTS as part of the solution to ending the national shortage of pharmacy technicians and building a more durable pharmacy workforce.
“This new, independent organization is dedicated to further elevating pharmacy technician roles in patient care and recognizing their important contributions to healthcare,” Kasbekar said. “Led by and comprised of pharmacy technicians, TPTS will offer a range of services to boost their career progression.”
ASHP continues to offer resources and support on mental health and workforce well-being, which remain a top organizational priority. Kasbekar described ASHP’s recent action on well-being, including the organization’s designation as a change maker accelerator by the National Academy of Medicine Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience.
This year, ASHP partnered with other pharmacy organizations to establish an annual Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day on Sept. 20 as part of Suicide Prevention Month.
And ASHP continues to support and expand its network of well-being ambassadors, which now numbers more than 4,300 participants.
“We will continue to collaborate with partners and members to innovate solutions that can ensure the pharmacy workforce has the tools and the resources they need to mitigate burnout and optimize their health and well-being,” Kasbekar said.
She thanked Midyear attendees for their support and urged them to take advantage the many opportunities the meeting provides to exchange ideas and help shape the future of pharmacy practice.
“We couldn’t do it all without you,” she said.
