NPA hosts 20th Annual Natural Products Day to promote VMS industry to Congress

WASHINGTON — The Natural Products Association last week hosted its members from across the nation for its 20th Annual Natural Products Day in the nation's capital.  NPD attendees, which included retailers, suppliers, distributors and other industry consultant members, met with more than 100 members of Congress and staff to educate them on the industry’s issues and natural products’ roles in preventive health care and overall wellness.



“The NPA has readymade solutions to grow the economy and make valuable contributions to Americans’ health,” stated Daniel Fabricant, executive director and CEO NPA.  “Dietary supplements and natural products are used by more than half of all Americans to promote their health," he said. "NPD attendees look forward to not only meeting with members of Congress and their staff, but also developing a relationship to further discuss important issues impacting their business.”



NPA members discussed several important issues including inclusion of dietary supplement coverage for reimbursement under health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts; inclusion of multivitamins under the Women, Infant Children (WIC) program; and developing a definition for medical foods.



Attendees met directly with lawmakers and congressional staff from their districts and states to educate them on the natural products industry and current issues. During these meetings, attendees shared position papers provided by NPA to make certain offices were fully informed on the current issues in the industry, and on the health and economic benefits of natural products.

 

The day on Capitol Hill concluded with a Congressional reception held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, where one of NPA’s long-time champions, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, stopped by to address NPA members. 



In addition to the visit, the NPA Political Action Committee hosted a reception on March 21, with more than 75 NPA members in attendance.