Melville's a step in the right direction for CHPA

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT If there were just one word that captured the flavor of CHPA today, that word likely would be “collaborator.” Because under Linda Suydam’s tutelage, any issue addressed by CHPA never really felt like an “us” or “them,” but rather a confluence of issues and concerned stakeholders all flowing toward a singular, fair solution. With the naming of Scott Melville as CHPA’s next president, it seems the association may have a little more of the same to look forward to.

(THE NEWS: CHPA names new president. For the full story, click here)

Melville comes to CHPA as a veteran facilitator familiar with health care and, more importantly, the vital roles over-the-counter medicines and natural health solutions play in today’s healthcare system. As announced, Melville most recently served as SVP government affairs and general counsel for the Healthcare Distribution and Management Association and at one time had worked on the staff of Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., a member of Congress since 1978 and former chair of the House Appropriations Committee (Lewis served in that capacity from 2005 to 2007).

And at CHPA, Melville will have an opportunity to bring all of his decades of experience as an advocator in the healthcare sector to bear. After all, next year the first baby boomers will be celebrating their 65th birthdays. And as the largest generational demographic continues to contend with the wellness issues associated with old age, you can bet today’s healthcare model will be wholly transformed within the next decade. And that means CHPA will be in need of a steady hand at the helm to help frame tomorrow’s healthcare model if self care and affordable access to medicines are to remain a reality.

So in that respect, Drug Store News agrees with CHPA chairman Christopher DeWolf’s assessment that Melville’s “experience in public policy, coalition-building and working with government officials and key stakeholders will be invaluable in guiding the industry through the rapidly changing healthcare environment.”