NACDS speakers emphasize importance of pharmacy at Regional Chain Conference

PALM BEACH, Fla. — Pharmacy plays a pivotal role in the national dialogue about healthcare, speakers said Monday at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Regional Chain Conference here.

"Companies and associations are going to have to totally change how they address issues in health policy, and in the political world that elects the leaders that establish the policy in which we are involved,” said Steven C. Anderson, NACDS president and CEO (pictured). “I think associations are going to need to be fleet of foot, flexible, smart, shrewd, astute, respected and very politically savvy. It is absolutely essential that associations think more like start-ups, and position themselves more like think tanks as they come up with innovative solutions."

Added Kristin Williams, senior VP, chief health officer at Hy-Vee and NACDS Regional Chain Conference chair: “This meeting and the topics addressed in the coming days could not be timelier with the current uncertainties in the healthcare industry. Regional chains are well equipped to face these challenges and develop innovative solutions for retail community pharmacy. We deliver personalized care, we adapt to emerging community needs and pilot new products and services in partnership with the suppliers gathered here today."

NACDS’ leadership also urged attendees to engage in its RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill, which will take place in Washington, D.C. on March 14-15.

"We need to participate by leading public policy solutions for healthcare,” said Martin Otto, chief merchant and CFO at H-E-B and NACDS chairman of the board. “We need long-term, end-to-end thinking about healthcare, its connection to other spending needs, and how individual actions affect the overall situation ... Healthcare sectors don't understand each others' situations. That's a prerequisite for collaboration and for development of an end-to-end solution, and to educate legislators and regulators. NACDS is helping to identify these end-to-end solutions, benefiting total healthcare, patients and pharmacy."

The NACDS Regional Chain Conference began Feb. 4 and continues through Feb. 6.