NACDS Conference addresses future role of pharmacies

The recent National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Regional Chain Conference in Palm Beach, Florida addressed the important role of pharmacies in this country amid possible changes under President Donald Trump's administration.
“This meeting and the topics addressed in the coming days could not be timelier with the current uncertainties in the health care industry,” Kristin Williams, NACDS regional chain conference chair and senior vice president/chief health officer at Hy-Vee Inc., said at the conference. “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.”
The annual NACDS conference attracts drug stores and supermarket chains with four to 250 locations, along with their suppliers.
“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,” NACDS President and CEO Steve Anderson said at the conference. “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.”