Univ. of Arkansas Students Reflect on NCPA Business Plan Competition

On October 13th, students from three pharmacy schools will vie in a live competition to be the 2012 winner of the Good Neighbor Pharmacy National Community Pharmacists Association’s (NCPA) Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition. For the first time, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy is among the three finalists. NCPA recently asked the schools’ representatives for their insights and feedback on the contest.

“Excuse Me, But I Think You Left Some Money on the Floor.”

By Gabe Trahan, Senior Director of Store Operations and Marketing

(@ncpagabe on Twitter)

Meet. Learn. Succeed in 30 Days or It’s Free

Remember those pizza commercials that promised delivery in 30 minutes or your pizza order was free? Let us offer you a similar deal.

Get Active During Recess (Congress’ August Recess That Is)

By Michael Rule, Manager of Public Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy

As noted in a recent Executive Update (link available to NCPA members only) Congress has left Washington D.C. for its annual August Recess. During this period most Members of Congress will spend a significant portion of their time in district meeting with constituents. This presents a tremendous opportunity for pharmacists to meet with their legislators and educate them on the importance of small business independent community pharmacy to patients and the overall community. In fact, more than 25 members of Congress have already scheduled pharmacy visits for during this recess.

Go from 0 to 60 in San Diego

Today is the day you can choose to “accelerate” your pharmacy’s success into overdrive. That’s because in just 60 days, the premier event in community pharmacy, the 114th NCPA Annual Convention and Trade Exposition will begin in beautiful San Diego. From October 13-17, hundreds of pharmacy owners, staff pharmacists, students, industry suppliers, vendors, and more will convene at the San Diego Convention Center to highlight the best and brightest in community pharmacy.

Proven Cure for the Common Cold: Vick’s Vapor Rub and a #2 Lead Pencil

By Gabe Trahan, Senior Director of Store Operations and Marketing

(@ncpagabe on Twitter)

Have you ever thought something was working based on a myth?

Pharmacist Grassroots Engagement Reaping Results for Pharmacies, Patients

By Michael Rule, Manager of Public Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy

Over the past few months, community pharmacy grassroots efforts have led to some modest, but important, legislative and regulatory victories in Washington for community pharmacists and the patients they serve. Continued grassroots engagement by pharmacists will drive future successes.

Community Pharmacists Recognized by Feds for Innovation, Improving Health

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the second and final batch of Health Care Innovation Awards and community pharmacists were among the grant recipients.

Taking Your Medicine, Taking It Right

By B. Douglas Hoey, RPh, MBA

The Wall Street Journal recently reported in the paper and on its Health Blog how pharmacists are trying to step up to improve medication adherence among patients, so that they take their medications as prescribed by a doctor.

NCPA, Coalition Back PDUFA Provisions to Address Drug Shortages

Alleviating drug shortages remains an important part of the prescription drug user fee bill before Congress, which is why NCPA and a number of other organizations representing clinicians, hospitals and patients sent a joint letter offering recommendations to Congressional leaders.