ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores’  2021 Regional Chain Conference – “Expanding Relationships” – centered on NACDS members’ ongoing commitment to meeting communities’ health and wellness needs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Held virtually Monday and Tuesday of this week, the event featured extensive discussion of NACDS members’ adaptability and innovation in the face of the historic challenges of 2020, which remain and evolve into 2021.

In keeping with tradition,Craig Norman, 2021 NACDS Regional Chain Conference chair and senior vice president of pharmacy for H-E-B, kicked off the opening session of the 2021 Conference on Monday by describing his company’s approach to pharmacy patient care and dedication to serving more than 300 communities.

He also described the unexpected challenges that the industry faced throughout the past year, and the myriad ways in which NACDS chain and supplier members have risen to the occasion to serve patients, consumers and communities – a key topic that was discussed by speakers and panelists throughout the 2021 Conference.

“[We] have shown what community pharmacy can do in a time of need … As we get into the rest of the year, we have to remember that we are the face of neighborhood healthcare,” Norman said.

Rick Keyes, NACDS board of directors chair and president and CEO of Meijer Inc., echoed these thoughts, underscoring pharmacies’ commitment to the health and safety of staff teams and communities:

“Meijer cares about the communities we serve, which all starts with our team. Throughout this pandemic, our store teams have played an important role in ensuring our customers have what they need to care for their families. That’s why it’s our No. 1 priority to provide a safe environment for them and everyone else who walks through our doors whether they’re grocery shopping or visiting the pharmacy for their COVID-19 vaccine.”

 “I started my career with Meijer in pharmacy – as a pharmacist – and I have always taken great pride in being a part of this profession.”

Keyes also noted NACDS members’ flexibility and adaptability in the face of COVID-19:

“Last year was full of challenges, but I’m very proud of the work our teams have done to work together and persevere.”

Lynne Fruth, a member of the NACDS Board of Directors and president of Fruth Pharmacy, participated in an in-depth panel discussion on COVID-19-related issues, during which she discussed pharmacy’s critical role in COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery – particularly in West Virginia.

Fruth’s remarks during the Conference are reiterated in the online article titled: “Here, Ready and Efficient,” Fruth Gets COVID Shots to Arms.

NACDS president and CEO Steven Anderson emphasized the heroic efforts of NACDS members throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as pharmacy and retail teams’ enduring dedication to serving Americans “lights on, doors open.”

“Regional chains are playing a huge role in restoring hope for individuals in communities throughout the country,” Anderson said. “Not only is pharmacy improving and enhancing the lives of the American people, pharmacy is saving the lives of the American people.”

In describing NACDS’ role and the value of pharmacy, Anderson stated:

“The role of NACDS is to create a policy and political environment for you to do what you do so well for the American people, and then we tell the story of the incredible work that you and your teams do during times of crisis. And by telling that story, lawmakers and regulators will then recognize the value of pharmacy so you can do even more for the American people.

“… I have no doubt that 2021 will be pharmacy’s finest hour. Noble deeds are being accomplished as we meet today with you and your teams. We need to translate those noble deeds into public policy, so that you remain economically viable to do even more.”

NACDS’ leadership also emphasized the key issues that remain crucial for pharmacy value and viability – including DIR fee reform, broader reimbursement issues, opioid-abuse prevention and the need to make permanent and expand the scope of practice and other preparedness measures achieved on a temporary basis during COVID-19 – and encouraged participation in the upcoming Virtual 2021 NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill on March 4 as a key way to make the voice of the industry heard.

The virtual event’s featured speakers also included: Scott Biggs, director of supplier services for IQVIA and Doug Long, vice president of industry relations for IQVIA; Laura Bowen, principle at Kearney and Emily Rowe, manager at Kearney; Kathleen Jaeger, NACDS’ senior vice president of pharmacy care and patient advocacy; and Brian Owens, senior vice president of commerce strategy for VMLY&R COMMERCE.

The 2021 Conference also included productive, virtual One-to-One Business Conferences, a popular aspect of the schedule that fosters collaboration among NACDS chain and associate members.

NACDS urges member company representatives to register now for the virtually hosted 2021 NACDS Annual Meeting, to be held April 26-28.