Donors recognized for their contributions

NEW YORK — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ charitable arm said Tuesday that this year’s NACDS Foundation Dinner has been cancelled, due in part to ongoing travel restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The NACDS Foundation was truly looking forward to coming together again in December with our partners and supporters, yet we will not be able to hold the 23rd Annual NACDS Foundation Dinner,” the organization stated in an email. “The realities of today, including in part, corporate travel restrictions, contributed to this decision. Given the nature of the annual dinner, and the difficulty to replicate such a spectacular evening, we will not hold a virtual alternative. The NACDS and NACDS Foundation teams are ready and eager to see you again, in person, for our respective 2022 meetings and events.”

The dinner had been scheduled for December 1 in New York. Proceeds from the dinner support the Foundation’s evidence-based research, pharmacy education and related philanthropic initiatives. In its statement, the NACDS Foundation recognized its donors for their contributions thus far this year, and said that their generosity would allow its work to proceed.

“The Foundation has received pledges of more than $1.3 million to forge ahead with our groundbreaking research, our health awareness building initiatives, and our educational and scholarship programs,” the organization stated. “Amid the ongoing pandemic, this work is more critical than ever as long-standing health disparities have come to light, coinciding with unprecedented and emerging health challenges.”

Highlights of that work include:

• Awareness Campaign: The Foundation teamed up with the March of Dimes in 2020, and again this past spring, on national radio tours to educate the public on the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu. Learn more here.

• Education & Scholarship Updates: The Foundation awarded $130,000 in scholarships last month to seven schools and colleges of pharmacy for their innovative and diverse educational programs that aim to advance public health. This fall, the Foundation is recruiting its next Faculty Scholars mentorship and research cohort.

• Research Updates: This year, the Foundation has forged ahead with new care delivery models that aim to improve outcomes, foster quality, and advance healthcare access. Our research portfolio addresses point-of-care testing, value-based care delivery models, substance use disorder screening with linkage to care, and more.

A complete list of sponsors is available here. “None of the Foundation’s efforts would be possible without you,” the statement concluded. “We have accomplished so much – together – to help improve the health and wellness of people in America.”