ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association has installed new officers, including a new president, and its board of directors for 2011-12.
NCPA inaugurated the new officers and at its 113th NCPA Annual Convention and Trade Exposition this month in Nashville, Tenn. The event marked the start of the one-year term for new NCPA president Lonny Wilson of Oklahoma City, chief executive officer of Pharmacy Providers of Oklahoma (PPOk).
Wilson has 30 years of experience in community pharmacy and currently owns and operates three pharmacies in eastern Oklahoma County: ValuMed Pharmacy of Fort Gibson and Midwest City as well as Bestyet Discount Pharmacy of Harrah. He also serves as chairman of Mirixa, a developer of clinical solutions that facilitate pharmacist-based patient care services such as medication therapy management (MTM).
"We congratulate Lonny Wilson on becoming NCPA president," stated NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey. "He has been a tireless advocate for helping better position independent community pharmacies, with their focus on providing numerous patient care services, for the future. Part of those efforts also requires pushing state and federal officials to implement common-sense policies that level the playing field."
Commented Wilson, "Community pharmacists play a vital role in improving health outcomes while reducing costs. First, local pharmacists help maximize the appropriate use of lower-cost generic drugs by dispensing 20% more generic drugs than out-of-state mail order facilities. Second, pharmacists provide critical, face-to-face patient counseling on the proper use of medications and on combating diabetes and other common conditions.
"These small-business health professionals also serve as pillars of the community and contribute greatly to local jobs and tax revenue," Wilson added. "Independent community pharmacists are particularly vital in a number of underserved rural and inner-city areas, where they may be the only pharmacy option and health care resource for many miles around."
Other independent pharmacy owners designated to NCPA board or officer positions included Donnie Calhoun of Anniston, Ala. (president-elect); Mark Riley of Little Rock, Ark. (chairman); and Robert Greenwood of Waterloo, Iowa (immediate past president). Named as vice presidents were Bill Osborn of Miami, Okla.; Brian Caswell of Baxter Springs, Kan.; Michele Belcher of Grants Pass, Ore.; Hugh Chancy of Hahira, Ga.; and Jeff Carson of San Antonio.
NCPA said its 114th Annual Convention and Trade Exposition is scheduled for Oct. 13 to 17, 2012, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego.
