Latest News

We are so excited to embark on our first Pharmacy C.A.N (Community Action Network) Campaign! The Kansas Pharmacists Association is taking the month of August to launch a campaign to highlight the amazing work that all of our pharmacy members are doing in their own communities, as well as sharing across our membership local opportunities to get involved and collaborate with other pharmacies in your area to make an impact on your community.

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE

• Share your opportunity! Click HERE to provide details of local opportunities. We will share these opportunities with our members!
• Track your hours with KPhA! Click HERE to log your own and your pharmacy’s community service hours. We would love to highlight all the hours our members are pouring into their communities!

We can't wait to see what you have on tap for the month of August!

Are you missing out on communications from KPhA? We get a large number of "failed attempt" reports when we send information to the full member list. Since email is the primary way we communicate with members, there are a few things you can do to make sure you're getting everything we're sending.

First, make sure your primary email (the one you use to log-ion to www.ksrx.org) is correct and current. This happens most frequently with recent grads who no longer use their school-issued email accounts or those who have changed jobs.

Secondly, make sure you have KPhA staff (aaron@ksrx.org, jen@ksrx.org, caitlin@ksrx.org, and amanda@ksrx.org) added to your safe sender list. This is otherwise known as "whitelisting," which categorizes KPhA emails as trusted addresses. If you are using a work email, you might need to talk to your IT department about this. If you're using a personal email address, something through Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, AppleMail, Yahoo Mail, etc., the following will be helpful in adding KPhA to your safe sender list.

GMAIL
Step 1: Locate the “Contacts” Icon
To begin adding a safe sender to your email list, you must select the applications icon in the upper right corner of the Gmail screen. After, click on the “Contacts” icon.

Step 2: Select “Create Contact”
After selecting the “Contacts” icon, you will be brought to your contact book within GMail. In the upper left hand corner of the screen, you will see “Create Contact” in which you will select.

Step 3: Enter Relevant Contact Information
Once you’ve selected “Create Contact”, you will notice a box pop up on the screen that allows you to add the appropriate contact information associated with the email address you’re adding. Fill this out to the best of your ability.

Step 4: Save the Desired Email Address as a New Contact
After filling in the appropriate information, make sure you select “Save” in the bottom right hand corner of the box. This will ensure the desired email address is properly saved and added to your safe sender list.

MICROSOFT OUTLOOK
Step 1: Locate Your Junk Folder
The first step within this process is locating your “Junk” folder by selecting the “Home” tab in the upper left corner of the screen. Once you’ve located the “Home” tab, you’ll want to find “Junk” which is located within the “Delete” section.

Step 2: Select “Junk Email Folder”
In the drop down menu of the “Junk” folder, you will see a new tab titled “Junk Email Options”. Select this tab and you’ll be redirected to a new screen.

Step 3: Find the “Safe Sender” tab
On the new screen, you’ll want to find the “Safe Sender” tab and click “Add” which is located on the right, middle side of the screen.

Step 4: Enter Email Address
Next, a new tab will appear titled “Add address or domain”. This is where you will add the specific email address to your safe sender list. Once you’re finished, select “OK” at the bottom of the tab and the address will automatically save.

Step 5: Save Everything
Lastly, after selecting “OK”, you’ll be directed back to the “Junk Email Options” tab. In the bottom left corner of this tab, you’ll see “Apply”. This will ensure everything you’ve entered is successfully saved and any emails from the specific address will show up in your inbox moving forward.

HOTMAIL
If an email from a sender you want to whitelist has ended up in your junk folder, the process is simple.
    Click "Show Content" to view the body of the email.
    Click "mark as safe".

If an existing email from the sender hasn't already been trapped in your junk folder, you can manually add him to your Safe List.
    Click on "Options" in the upper right corner of your Hotmail screen.
    Then click the link for "Safe and Blocked Senders" in the body of the page under Junk e-mail.
    Click the "Safe Senders" link and enter the email address you want to whitelist.
    Click "Add" to put it on your list.

APPLEMAIL
Step 1: Open the Email
First, open the email sent from the exact email address you would like to add into your safe senders list.

Step 2: Find Sender’s Email Address
Once you’ve opened the desired email, you’ll want to locate the sender’s email address in the top left corner of the email itself.

Step 3: Add the email address to your “Contacts”
In the drop down menu after clicking on the email itself, you will find various options. Select the tab titled “Add to Contacts”. After selecting this option, the sender’s email address will automatically be added to your safe senders list.

YAHOO MAIL
Step 1: Open the Email Sent by the Email Address
First, open the email sent by the desired email address you’d like to add to your safe senders list. Be sure to check both the inbox folder and junk or spam folder.

Step 2: Copy the email address
Next, you should copy the email address and select the “Contacts” icon located in the top left corner from within the email itself. When scroll overtop of the icon it should read “Contacts”.

Step 3: Add to Your Contacts
Once you select “Contacts”, a contacts list will appear. At the bottom of this list, you will see “Add a New Contact”. Fill in the contact details and paste the email address you wish to add to your contacts list.

Step 4: Save the email address
Lastly, remember to save the email address and contact information you’ve added. This will automatically save into your safe senders list on Yahoo.

Healthcare costs are rising in the U.S. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), National Health Expenditure increased 4.6% in 2019, reaching $3.8 trillion, with Medicare spending climbing 6.7% to $799.4 billion.¹Meanwhile, U.S. Census Bureau estimates show a growing 65-and-older age group, which increased 34.2% between 2010 and 2019.² Among this group, the Lown Institute reports that 42% take at least five prescription medications.³

Rising healthcare costs and a growing elderly population could have significant implications when it comes to adverse drug events (ADEs). ADEs occur when an individual is harmed by medication, even when that medication is used appropriately. They are responsible for around 1.3 million emergency department visits a year, and roughly 350,000 individuals require hospitalization for additional treatment.⁴

Tabula Rasa HealthCare’s (TRHC) MedWise Risk Score™ is a novel approach to help clinical pharmacists target patients at risk for ADEs. Used together with TRHC’s clinical decision support technology, MedWise® Science, pharmacists can identify those patients with high risk scores and target them for risk-mitigating interventions.

Continue Reading »

KPhA has assembled a wide selection of educational sessions covering a variety of practice types at the 2022 KPhA Annual Meeting and Trade Show, set for Sept. 22-23 in downtown Topeka.

A pre-conference class on Mental Health First Aid, limited to 20 people, will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, if we meet the minimum sign-up requirement.

Breakout and general sessions start on Friday, Sept. 23, and run through Sunday, Sept. 25. Pharmacists and Technicians can earn up to 12 hours of continuing education credit. And select sessions will be available in an on-demand format following the conference for attendees to collect extra continuing education credits!

REGISTER TODAY

FRIDAY, SEPT. 23

Immunization Update 2022
Amanda Applegate, PharmD, BCACP
Director of Practice Development, Kansas Pharmacists Association

Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have 10 years as immunization coordinator for small chain of pharmacies in the Kansas City metro area - provided education for pharmacists and technicians in workflow management, clinical information, and patient counseling. Managed annual influenza vaccine orders and rollout of several new vaccines.

Program Summary
This presentation will begin with current vaccine rates and issues in the state of Kansas. COVID-19 vaccines and changes will be covered. We will then review recent changes to recommended vaccine schedules, including several new to market vaccines and updates to existing vaccines. Finally, we'll touch on an upcoming vaccine and vaccine resources.

Criminal Drug Diversion
Todd Hixson
Drug Intelligence Officer, Midwest HIDTA

Explain your expertise on this topic:
I am a retired Supervisory Special Agent with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  During my assignment in Kansas, I supervised the Tactical Diversion Squad which was focused on DEA registrants who were diverting controlled substances as a part of a criminal enterprise.  I supervised several high-profile investigations of physicians and pharmacists in Kansas which resulted in significant prison sentences and asset forfeitures.

Program Summary
The focus of this presentation will be to explain how a criminal drug diversion investigation works and how pharmacists and technicians can look for red flags and participate in the on-going efforts to reduce opioid overdose rates in Kansas.  Specifically, I will discuss a high-profile investigation of a doctor and a pharmacist that I supervised while with the DEA in Kansas.  This case study will be used as an example of a "pill mill" doctor, and how he worked in conjunction with an area pharmacist to distribute opioids illegally for profit.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Program Implementation and Outcomes
John Rosa, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist, Tria Health

Explain your expertise on this topic:
I am a clinical pharmacy at Tria Health where we utilize remote patient monitoring for specifically diabetes and hypertension. While utilizing these devices, we communicate with both patients and providers to assist patients with achieving the health goals.

Program Summary
Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to assist with the management of many disease states. One barrier to the success of pharmacist intervention is access to patient-specific disease information (blood glucose, blood pressure, etc.). Implementing a remote patient monitoring program is one way to address the barrier of lack of information. We will review what remote patient monitoring devices exist on the market, how these devices can be implemented by pharmacists, real outcomes from a remote patient monitoring program, and pharmacist billing codes for this service.

Advocating for Yourself and Your Profession
Aaron Dunkel, MPA
Executive Director, Kansas Pharmacists Association

Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have been working with governors, legislators, staff, and industry stakeholders for 22 years to advocate for various issues. In my current role, I am the main advocate in Topeka for KPhA.

Program Summary
This presentation will discuss how to approach policymakers and how to build relationships with them. I will provide insight on the current Kansas and federal political climate, and how that affects our efforts at relationship building and lobbying for our industry. I will provide an update on last year's efforts, what we are looking to support in the next legislative session and what our greatest risks are moving forward. We will discuss the upcoming election, what it means for our efforts, and how to become involved with the elections locally. All of these discussions are relevant to pharmacy practice due to the impact policy decisions at the state and federal level have on what pharmacists can do, how they get paid for their services, and how they interact with their patients.

Navigating HIV Prevention. Are You PrEPed?
Frank Fanizza, PharmD, BCACP, AAHIVP
Clinical Lead Pharmacist - Infectious Diseases/HIV, University Health Truman Medical Center

Explain your expertise on this topic:
I serve as the clinic pharmacist in the infectious disease clinic at University Health Truman Medical Center. I work with patients who are living with HIV, have been exposed and require PEP, and patients who are on PrEP to help reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Prior to this role, I spent nearly 3 years at LMH Health as a clinic pharmacist assisting infectious disease providers in the outpatient setting to help manage their HIV and PrEP patients.

Program Summary
The goal of this program is to provide education to pharmacists regarding HIV prevention, specifically PrEP and PEP. Learners will be provided with an overview of the recently updated PrEP guidelines from the CDC and will learn about newer literature surrounding the use of tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine and cabotegravir for PrEP. Audience members will also be provided education about treatment options for PEP. Lastly, we will discuss how a community pharmacy can play a role in PrEP and PEP to help expand access and collaborate with physicians.

More Than a Technician: Expanding the Role of Pharmacy Student Learners in the Workplace
Jessica Bates, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Associate Professor/Asst Director of Experiential Education, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy

Explain your expertise on this topic:
As current member of the KU-SOP Experiential Education team, my primary role is development of students and preceptors in various areas.  I've precepted several students in the workplace, and currently oversee the student development during the P4 year.

Program Summary
This program will discuss the current pharmacy school curriculum and share various ways pharmacist preceptors can integrate students into their practice.  Topics discussed include potential projects, shadowing, and learning opportunities for pharmacy students in various workplace settings. The intent of this presentations is to expand the students' role from dispensing and production focused experiences to clinical and knowledge-based activities.

A Changing Kansas: Implications for Health and Communities
D. Charles Hunt, MPH
Deputy Director, Johnson County Department of Health and Environment

Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have served as a public health practitioner, epidemiologist, and researcher in Kansas for 28 years. I served as State Epidemiologist and Director, Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics, at Kansas Department of Health and Environment from 2009 - 2017. As part of my work as a Senior Analyst at Kansas Health Institute, I was the primary author on a report that examined the changing demographics of Kansas and the implications on public health and communities (Hunt D.C., Pañas L.J. (2018). A changing Kansas: Implications for health and communities. Kansas Health Foundation.

Program Summary
The general goals of this program are first to help pharmacists understand health from a community perspective, including the social, environmental, and upstream factors that form the foundation of health, and how the changing demographics of Kansas might impact these factors.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 24

Technician Training Day: Training and Retaining Pharmacy Technicians
Morgan Moellinger, CPhT
HR Director / Training Coordinator, El Dorado TrueCare Pharmacy

Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have been a technician for 9 years and have been a Training Coordinator for 3 years. I have developed and maintained our training criteria as well as yearly technician training for the last 3 years.

Program Summary
Training an employee correctly goes hand in hand with retaining good employees. Working in any pharmacy over the last few years has been a challenge for everyone. To train anyone thoroughly has been a challenge. Especially in a field like ours where things are circumstantial it is almost impossible to train a new employee on EVERYTHING. However, training on the fundamentals, and core principals of your company’s values is essential if you hope to retain even a decent employee longer than one year.

Putting the Success in Succession Planning
Ryan Hellmer, BA, JD
Senior Vice-President & Trust Officer, CoreFirst Bank & Trust

Explain your expertise on this topic:
Vast experience in business transactions, primarily healthcare related, as well as mergers, acquisitions, re-structuring, public finance, and business organization services.  In my role as Trust Officer, I work primarily in the planning and execution of estate and business transitions.  We have worked with clients to develop valuation strategies, control and economic transfers, and transfer financing options for business owners.  These plans have helped clients maximize the value of their business, to ensure its success in the future and to provide for estate plans that benefit all parties in the manner that the client deems appropriate.

Program Summary
This program will discuss the tools available to help business owners assess the value of structure of their existing business and the options available to help owners plan for the sale or continuation of the business with future generations.  Financing options and estate equalization tools will also be presented.

Immunology 101: The Basic Science Behind Cutting-Edge Therapies
Susan King, PharmD, BCGP
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy

Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have a variety of interests related to this topic. At Florida Institute of Technology, I pursued a Master of Biotechnology degree and worked on new drug discovery. During my studies there, I learned a lot about cell biology, cancer cells, and new drug targets. I took a class in Immunology as part of my PharmD program and found it very interesting. Also, as a pharmacist working in multiple settings, I have dispensed monoclonal antibodies and think it is important to understand them.

Program Summary
Over the past 20 years we have seen an explosion in the use of monoclonal antibodies and other immunotherapies. This program will review immunology at a very basic level and examine several drugs that target the immune system, including monoclonal antibodies, CAR-T therapy, and antibody-drug conjugates. The goal of this presentation is for participants to understand how these new therapies work and be prepared for even more novel drug products.

Solving America's Healthcare Crisis: Deaths Related to Adverse Drug Events
Mindy Smith, BSPharm, RPh, MHA, CMWA
Senior Vice President, Professional Affairs, Tabula Rasa Healthcare

Explain your expertise on this topic:
As Vice President of Professional Affairs at Tabula Rasa HealthCare, I am passionate about the advancement of medication safety and giving pharmacists the tools needed to identify and prevent adverse drug events (ADEs).

Program Summary
There is a hidden health crisis that has emerged in American related to deaths associated with adverse drug events, beyond opioid use.  Learn what the drivers are behind this epidemic and how we can leverage new technologies and models to address the issue.  You will learn that there is a significant opportunity for pharmacists leverage their expertise in mitigating risks associated with medication use, impact total cost of care, and champion resolution of this crisis.

Technician Training Day: Understanding Insulin Therapy
Lawrence Davidow, PhD, RPh
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy

Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have taught active-learning activities about managing diabetes including disease monitoring and treatment (including insulin) for over 20 years at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy.  I have also served as a Chapter Reviewer for the “Diabetes Mellitus” chapter published in the Pharmacotherapy Principles & Practice textbook since 2005 (most recent is 6th Edition, 2020).

Program Summary
The 2021 FDA approval of Semglee (insulin glargine-yfgn) as biosimilar to, and interchangeable with Lantus (insulin glargine) was an important first step in improving the affordability of insulin therapy.  Many third-party insurance payers are changing their formularies and updating preferred drug status.  This program will help pharmacy technicians prepare for these changes by reviewing the different types of insulins (e.g., basal or bolus) as well as addressing issues related to their dispensing (e.g., vials, pens, supplies, storage, etc.).  The program will also define biosimilar and interchangeable products and predict their impact on future insulin dispensing.

Pharmacologic Management of Episodic and Chronic Migraine
Mary Beth Dameron, PharmD, BCACP
Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist, University Health

Explain your expertise on this topic:
I currently practice within an outpatient neurology clinic and am involved with co-management of patients with migraines.

Program Summary
Migraine is a chronic neurological condition that affects more than 10% of the population worldwide. It is often associated with significant distress in a person’s life, which can lead to an inability to perform daily tasks, financial burden, and an increased risk for comorbid mental health diagnoses (such as anxiety and depression). Oral medications, such as propranolol or topiramate, are frequently used first line for migraine prevention due to current guideline recommendations, low cost, and ease of use. However, over the past several years, new therapies have emerged that have targeted mechanisms based on evolving knowledge of migraine pathophysiology. Patients and providers often consult pharmacists for their knowledge and expertise to assist with cost-effective therapy recommendations to reduce migraine frequency, severity, and/or duration. This presentation is intended to discuss the role of various agents available for acute migraine treatment or migraine prevention based on patient-specific factors.

Interviewing for the Right Fit
Nick Schulte, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Ambulatory & PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director, Stormont Vail Health
Munjal Attawala, PharmD, BCPS
Associate Medical Science Liaison, Astra Zeneca

Explain your expertise on this topic:
Following last year's session on teamwork, Schulte had a key takeaway in reading The Ideal Team Player. Going into Phase 2 residency interviews this year, Munjal and I chose to overhaul our interview process due to time constraints. The idea was to interview for the right fit, rather than trying to use rubrics with scoring rules attached to them. In the residency interview process, we are fortunate to be able to submit a rank list at the conclusion of interviews. This allows us to focus on finding the right fit. Using The Ideal Team Player as a reference, I believe I can make it more broadly applicable to non-residency positions.

Program Summary
We will discuss interviewing from both perspectives - the employer and the applicant. The goal is to provide the audience with information on how to interview for a good fit and find discriminating qualities between applicants or potential employers which can help decide to hire or accept an offer. Many publications on residency interviews and the match process focus on scored and measured qualities of successfully matched applicants, but we will attempt to take a different approach with fewer metrics. Prospective and recent graduates may find this helpful, and employers will get to hear our case study example of an interview process change.

Best Practices in Overcoming Vaccine Hesitancy
Emily Prohaska, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, FAPhA
Coordinator, Ambulatory Pharmacy Services, LMH Health
Karen Braman, RPh, MS
Senior Vice President Clinical and Strategic Initiatives, Kansas Hospital Association

Explain your expertise on this topic:
Prohaska has worked in a practice setting that provides immunizations either full or part time since becoming certified in 2007. In Braman's current role, she has direct interactions with physicians, mid-level providers, and clinical staff to help recommend immunizations to eligible patients as well as directly providing immunizations to patients.

Program Summary
Have you ever wondered about vaccination rates for pediatric and adult patients in your community? Encountered resistance from patients or caregivers when recommending vaccinations? Wondered how you can overcome word of mouth or stigma to convince someone to receive a potentially life-saving vaccine? If so, this session is for you! Attend this program offering to hear from a topic expert and pharmacist panel to improve vaccine confidence and overcome barriers to patients receiving vaccinations at your practice site.

KEYNOTE -- Mindful Wellbeing:  How Mindful Practices Help Balance Brain and Body
Kim Colegrove
Owner, Pause First Academy, Pause First Academy

Explain your expertise on this topic:
I'm the author of Mindfulness for Warriors, and the owner of Pause First Academy, an organization that focuses on wellness and resilience training. I'm also a 45-year veteran of meditation and I've been teaching mindfulness professionally for over a decade. I previously taught mindfulness in corporate settings such as Garmin International, United Way, Department of Veterans Affairs, The National Court Reporters Association, and others.

Program Summary
An informative and experiential presentation that introduces the concepts of meditation and mindfulness. Attendees learn the evidence-based benefits of meditation discover how to use these powerful tools to mitigate stress, regulate emotions, and improve overall health.

LUNCH & LEARN -- Learn to Pause: 3 Daily Habits for Stress Reduction and Self-Regulation
Kim Colegrove
Owner, Pause First Academy, Pause First Academy

Explain your expertise on this topic:
I'm a 45-year veteran of meditation and have taught meditation and mindfulness professionally, primarily in corporate settings, for over a decade. I'm also the author of the book, Mindfulness for Warriors.

Program Summary
Discover three simple but powerful evidence-based habits to help you navigate life with less stress and better self-mastery. Participants will learn how to use breathing exercises, mindful practices, and a daily meditation, to calm the chaos and experience ease.

Kansas Board of Pharmacy Annual Update
Alexandra Blasi, JD, MBA
Executive Director, Kansas Board of Pharmacy

Explain your expertise on this topic:
As the agency head, I am well positioned to give an update on the Board's current activities, the protection of the public regarding the practice of pharmacy, and updates to the Kansas Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. I have been the Executive Director for 6.5 years and previously was an attorney with the State of Kansas for four years prior. In addition, I am a licensed attorney in the State of Kansas and have written and interpreted laws for over ten years.

Program Summary
I will provide an update on activities of the Board of Pharmacy for fiscal year 2022. Topics will include K-TRACS; Board members, decisions, committee activities, and guidance; new and amended laws and regulations; disciplinary actions; and updates to Board processes, procedures, and technology.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 25

New Drug Update Panel
Moderated by: Tessa Schnelle, PharmD, DPLA
Lead Clinical Pharmacist & Clinical Coordinator, Osawatomie State Hospital
and Amanda Applegate, PharmD, BCACP
Director of Practice Development, Kansas Pharmacists Association

Explain your expertise on this topic:
One of the capacities of Schnelle's role as Lead Clinical Pharmacist & Clinical Coordinator includes the responsibility of evaluating new drugs for the P&T committee at Osawatomie State Hospital.  I also oversee education on new therapies for pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physicians. Applegate spent 10 years as immunization coordinator for small chain of pharmacies in the Kansas City metro area before joining KPhA as its director of practice development. They coordinated the student panel for this session.

Presentations from (clockwise from top left) Yezan Salamoun, Emily Conard, Saige Dixon-Peters, Manisha Ravi, Jacey Wedel, Aubrey Jessen, Austin Jamison, and Bayan Alghafli. All are PharmD Candidates in the Class of 2023 at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy.

Program Summary
Every year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a wide range of new drugs and biological products, some that have never been used in clinical practice before. Pharmacists play a vital role on the health care team by being medication experts on these new medications and treatment alternatives and can assist with providing patients with the best care possible. Pharmacy technicians also play an important role in ensuring patients are equipped with the information they need to ensure the safe and effective use of these agents. This activity will provide a brief primer on newly approved drugs and indication so that individuals are able to familiarize themselves with these new medications. In addition, the activity will delve deeper into select medications to highlight important characteristics such as mechanism of action, dosing, administration, safety, and efficacy. It is vital that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians stay abreast of the unique nuances of new medications so that they can continue to optimize the care of their patients.

Make More Money by Letting Technicians Practice at the Top of THEIR License
Morgan Moellinger, CPhT
HR Director/Training Coordinator, El Dorado TrueCare Pharmacy

Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have been a clerk, a state certified technician, a nationally certified technician, a lead technician, a lead over clerks and techs, training coordinator, and director of human resources. I have been able to explore many growing pains, challenges, and rewarding moments as a technician by being given the opportunity to push myself to learn new roles and responsibilities.

Program Summary
Many of the jobs/positions I have held are functions of a normal technician, but many of these things are positions that a technician would never see because they are reserved for pharmacists/people with specific titles/degrees. Technicians can take on many of the jobs within a pharmacy without an owner needing to hire unnecessary staff which offers technicians a more fulfilling career at the same time.

Self Care Challenge
Kristen Powell ,PharmD
Manager of Pharmacy Practice, Genoa Healthcare

Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have been a pharmacist since 2009; was the site manager for eight years at a pharmacy located inside a community mental health center; and currently am Manager of Pharmacy Practice for Genoa Healthcare.

Program Summary
The National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) and the Nonprescription Medicines Academy (NMA) have partnered to launch the NASPA/NMA Self Care Championship. The event, which is endowed by P&G, promotes active learning of self-care topics to the participants as well as the audience. Teams compete head-to-head in an event like a quiz bowl, as they answer questions developed by the NMA, which focus on self-care.

KPhA is working with other organizations such as the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Association of Local Health Departments, and the Kansas Academy for Family Physicians on learning more about our members' relationships to other immunization providers in Kansas. To that end, a survey was created to collect information about collaboration in immunization practices across the state.

You can take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ksimmunizations

The information you share in this survey will be anonymous (unless you want follow-up), so we appreciate your candid feedback about your site’s experience with other immunization providers.

Get downtown for KPhA's premier event -- the 2022 Annual Meeting and Trade Show. This year’s conference is split between two locations in beautiful downtown Topeka, the Ramada Topeka Downtown Hotel and Convention Center and Townsite Tower. The event is chock-full of the learning and networking opportunities you expect, plus so much more.

KPhA22 features 21 educational sessions on timely topics for a variety of practice settings, the 2022 KPhA Annual Meeting & Trade Show has something for everyone! Pharmacists and Technicians can earn up to 12 hours of continuing education credit. Plus, a bonus pre-conference Mental Health First Aid course (space is limited!).

There are ample opportunities to connect with colleagues, classmates, and industry leaders. From the President's Reception to the Trade Show and Academy Chats to Student-Sponsor Mixer, KNPN Breakfast, and VIP Break Room you'll be hard-pressed to find more Kansas Pharmacy influencers in one place!

It's not all about lectures and learning. A few highlights include the Vendors' Showcase at some of Topeka's newest and most innovative night spots; relax at the Vendor Tailgate BBQ and Beer Garden; enjoy friendly competition during the Student-Sponsor Mixer or Awards Gala. Don't forget about the Hospitality Suite!

Learn More & Register!

The Federal Trade Commission announced today that it will launch an inquiry into the prescription drug middleman industry, requiring the six largest pharmacy benefit managers to provide information and records regarding their business practices. The agency’s inquiry will scrutinize the impact of vertically integrated pharmacy benefit managers on the access and affordability of prescription drugs. As part of this inquiry, the FTC will send compulsory orders to CVS Caremark; Express Scripts, Inc.; OptumRx, Inc.; Humana Inc.; Prime Therapeutics LLC; and MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc. 

Continue Reading »

The role that pharmacies play in their communities has been steadily growing in recent years—a trend that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated. Importantly, this growth is helping to encourage some states to expand the role of pharmacists for the application of their clinical expertise, fueling an active dialogue within the health care community.

Continue Reading »

The Board of Trustees of the American Pharmacists Association announced that Ilisa Bernstein, PharmD, JD, FAPhA, has been named Interim CEO, effective immediately. Bernstein's appointment follows the departure of Scott Knoer, PharmD, MS, as Executive Vice-President and CEO.

Continue Reading »

Recently, fake versions of two brand-name blood thinners were sold to Americans at pharmacies across Mexico. The pills contained no active pharmaceutical ingredients and could have killed the people they were sold to.

If you have a patient that is thinking about purchasing their medicine while on an upcoming trip, watch this video from the Partnership for Safe Medicines so that you can educate them on why doing so is a dangerous choice: https://youtu.be/En7mKoVoGmU