NDSHP exists to elevate health system pharmacy practice and patient care in our region through advocacy, innovation and member support. 

Similarly, I was recently able to attend the ASHP Summer Meeting and listened to the Presidential address from the new ASHP President, Kelly Smith, who urged members to be “all in” for pharmacy. She encouraged members to be engaged, be connected and advocate for their patients.  

Within NDSHP there are many opportunities to be “all in.” We hope you join us the second Tuesday of every month at noon in networking meetings to discuss everything from drug shortages, to practice models and ambulatory care. Continuing education programs are available as well and have covered a range of topics recently from HIV medications, biostatistics, area residency research projects and student involvement in practice sites. We’d love to hear from you if there is a topic you would like discussed at the educational meetings or the networking meetings or if you have a topic you’d like to present.

The October 25 th , 2108 NDSHP Summit and Expo will provide an opportunity to discuss the practice of pharmacy across the state in several town hall discussions. The expo will provide the ability to consolidate meetings with suppliers and industry sponsors during the year at one convenient time.  Spaces fill fast for this popular event so be sure to register early.

While at the Summer Meeting I also participated in the ASHP House of Delegates for the first time. A record number of policies were voted on during the meeting. Important policy recommendations were made relating to the use of closed system transfer devices to reduce drug waste, IV fluid manufacturing facilities as critical public health infrastructure and clinician well-being and resilience among other policies. We are working to provide opportunities for more NDSHP members to be engaged in various levels of the policy process in the coming year.  Look for a member survey in the coming months in your email to provide feedback on what else you’d like to see from NDSHP in order to be “all in”. We look forward to the coming year and serving our members to fulfil the vision of NDSHP to provide leadership that inspires optimal medication use for every patient, every time.  Please find the Join us link for more information.

Lisa Richter, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP

NDSHP President