PRN - A dose from MPA

May 30, 2025

In This Issue:

CEO Perspective

Legislative and Regulatory

CDC to Stop Recommending COVID Shots for Children, Pregnant Women
NCPA Applauds House Passage of PBM Reform Provisions in Budget Bill
FDA Approves Use of Sanofi Meningococcal Vaccine in Infants

Professional Practice

Study Suggests Weight-Loss Drugs May Lower Cancer Risks
NCPA Issues Warning about Registering for Webinar on GoodRx's Community Link Program

MPA News

MPA Member Named New President of Sav-Mor Pharmacy Services
Nominations Open for MPA Executive Board and Section Boards
Nominate Colleagues for MPA and Section Awards Now
On Rotation with MPA: Safaa Al-Zeidaneen
Purchase Additional Years of Membership in the MPA Store
Register for the 2025 MPF Golf Classic
Register for Pharmacy Day at the Capitol Sept. 18, 2025
Save the Dates: 2025 MSHP Annual and UP Fall Conference

MPA CE Offerings

Upcoming Meetings and Events

CEO Perspective

MPA President-Elect Michelle Kelly and I joined other state pharmacy association executives and their presidents-elect from across the country last week for the 2025 National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) Leadership Conference in Detroit, sponsored by Pharmacists Mutual. It was a great opportunity to network and learn from our peers as well as to bring back great ideas to implement at MPA. The event also served as an orientation for Michelle as she prepares to lead MPA as president in 2026.

Looking ahead, we have some important dates of interest for your calendar:

May 31, 2025 – MPA Executive Board and Section Board Deadline for Nominations
June 11, 2025 – Michigan Pharmacy Foundation Golf Classic, Timber Trace Golf Club, Pinckney
Sept. 18, 2025 – Pharmacy Day at the Capitol, Lansing
Oct. 24, 2025 – MSHP Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Hilton DoubleTree, Dearborn
Oct. 25, 2025 – MPA Upper Peninsula Division Fall Conference, NMU Northern Center, Marquette

Please watch for an email next week regarding the MPA Member Engagement Form. That’s your cue to tell us how you’d like to become engaged in MPA committees, boards, etc. We’re stronger together, so please consider signing up for your favorite MPA activity.

We also encourage you to invite MPA for a visit over the summer months. We enjoy visiting our members at work in whatever your practice setting. Just email me a Mark@MichiganPharmacists.org and we’ll get you on the calendar!

Mark A. Glasper

CEO

Legislative and Regulatory

NCPA Applauds House Passage

of PBM Reform Provisions in Budget Bill

The National Community Pharmacists Association issued the following statement from CEO B. Douglas Hoey after the House of Representatives passed a budget reconciliation bill that includes language that would eliminate pharmacy benefit manager spread pricing and require transparent and fair reimbursement (Medicaid fee-for-service-rate) in all state Medicaid managed care programs:

“While doing nothing to reduce the cost of drugs for Medicaid beneficiaries, spread pricing has been costing federal and state taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Through low and underwater reimbursements, PBMs have been systematically squeezing local pharmacies and helping drive them out of business. It’s egregious. Moving to a fairer pharmacy reimbursement system that ends spread pricing and requires transparent, predictable reimbursements to pharmacies is a step in the right direction. We urge the Senate to swiftly pass these provisions and President Trump to sign them into law.”

Spread pricing is what happens when PBMs charge insurance plans like Medicaid one price for prescription medications, reimburse pharmacies that dispense them a much lower price, and then keep a big chunk of the difference (the spread) for themselves. For years, NCPA has led the way in pushing Congress and the executive branch to ban this practice and to pay pharmacies in a simple, predictable format that covers their costs to dispense prescription medications. The reconciliation bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration. NCPA will continue strongly advocating for these Medicaid policies and will also keep fighting for Medicare Part D contract reform to be included in other legislation moving this year.

FDA Approves Use of Sanofi Meningococcal Vaccine in Infants

French drugmaker Sanofi said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its meningococcal vaccine for use in infants as young as six weeks, making it the first shot intended for the age group.

The vaccine, branded as MenQuadfi, is already approved for individuals aged two years and older to protect against the four most common strains of meningococcal bacteria - A, C, W and Y, the company said on Friday.

Meningococcal infections, caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, can cause serious, sometimes deadly, bloodstream infections, as well as severe swelling in the brain and spinal cord.

Professional Practice

NCPA Issues Warning About Registering for Webinar

on GoodRx's Community Link Program

The National Community Pharmacists Association recently issued the following warning to members about registering for a webinar promoting GoodRx's new Community Link program:

It has come to our attention that GoodRx has reached out to a number of pharmacies regarding its new "Community Link" program and invited pharmacies to register for a webinar promoting this new program.

BEFORE SIGNING UP for this webinar, it is very important that you consider the following:

You could be forfeiting important legal rights merely by registering for the GoodRx webinar.
GoodRx is requiring webinar attendees to agree to their Terms of Use as part of the registration process.
These Terms may prevent you from participating in, or benefiting from, ongoing or future class action litigation against GoodRx. This may include NCPA's pending lawsuit against GoodRx and pharmacy benefit managers, where we seek to represent a class of pharmacies harmed by alleged price fixing.

We strongly advise you to carefully consider the potential consequences of registering for the webinar or any other program and agreeing to these Terms of Use.

Study Suggests Weight-Loss Drugs May Lower Cancer Risks

Excess body weight can raise the risk of certain cancers, leading researchers to wonder whether blockbuster drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound could play a role in cancer prevention.

Now, a study of 170,000 patient records suggests there’s a slightly lower risk of obesity-related cancers in U.S. adults with diabetes who took these popular medications compared to those who took another class of diabetes drug not associated with weight loss.

This type of study can’t prove cause and effect, but the findings hint at a connection worth exploring. More than a dozen cancers are associated with obesity.

MPA News

MPA Member Named President of Sav-Mor Pharmacy Services

Yvonne Gallagher, president of Sav-Mor Pharmacy Services for almost 30 years, is stepping down from her role and MPA member Anthony Codrean will take over the reins on June 1.

Since joining the Sav-Mor team, Codrean has held several roles within the organization with a focus on serving independent pharmacies through competitive negotiation of drug procurement, business development, technology, and strategic vendor partnerships and payor opportunities that have allowed pharmacies to provide needed patient care in their communities without facing the burden of facing closure.

Codrean is a member of MPA, the National Community Pharmacists Association and the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs. He has been serving on the Michigan Independent Pharmacy Association Board since 2019 and the Sav-Mor Pharmacy Services board of directors.

Nominations Open for MPA Executive Board and Section Boards

Nominations are now open for the MPA Executive Board and section boards. We welcome nominations for all MPA members – whether you are a seasoned professional or just getting started in your career. You can nominate yourself or a colleague!

Learn more about each board and the election process. Questions? Email MPA@MichiganPharmacists.org.

The deadline to submit nominations is May 31, 2025.

Nominate Now!

Nominate Colleagues for MPA and Section Awards Now

Nominate one of your colleagues for a prestigious MPA award to recognize their professional accomplishments! MPA is accepting nominations for the following awards:

MPA Awards

MPA Pharmacist of the Year
Bowl of Hygeia
Executive Board Medal
Excellence in Innovation
Pharmacists^TM Mutual Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award
Fred W. Arnold Public Relations Award
Fellow of MPA
Ernie Koch Striving for Excellence Award

Section Awards

CSPM

CSPM Pharmacist of the Year Award

MSCP

MSCP Pharmacist of the Year Award

MSHP

MSHP Pharmacist of the Year Award
MSHP Joseph A. Oddis Leadership Award
MSHP Professional Practice Award
MSHP Presidents Award
MSHP Excellence in Wellness Practice Award

MSPT

MSPT Technician of the Year Award
MSPT Service Award

Nominate Now

On Rotation with MPA: Safaa Al-Zeidaneen

MPA is excited to welcome Safaa Al-Zeidaneen, a fourth-year pharmacy student from Ferris State University, on rotation through June 27.

Al-Zeidaneen is an international student from Jordan. She graduated from pharmacy school in Jordan 20 years ago before deciding to study pharmacy again and start new life in United States. Al-Zeidaneen also worked in the academic field at Al-Balqaʼ Applied University in Al-Salt, Jordan.

She is currently working on developing skills in pharmaceutical care to support cancer patients.

Al-Zeidaneen is a mother of four and likes to spend time with them, hearing their everyday stories and their way of exploring life.

Purchase Additional Years of Membership in the MPA Store

Did you know MPA offers the ability to purchase two additional years of membership at a reduced cost? If you are a current MPA member, take advantage of this opportunity to receive a 10% discount by extending your membership.

Simply visit the MPA Store and select the extension product that matches your current membership. Note: This offer can only be redeemed in the MPA Store and is not available through your Member Compass.

MPA Store

Hurry! There are still a few more openings for early bird pricing available for the MPF Golf Classic June 11 at Timber Trace Golf Club. Act now to receive the following rates:

$85 pharmacy student
$175 individual golfer
$650 foursome**

Early bird spots are limited. Once they are gone, the registration prices are:

$95 pharmacy student
$190 individual golfer
$750 foursome**

**Foursome payments must be received at the same time to secure the foursome rate.

Hotel Reservations Available

MPF has partnered with the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Howell to offer a special discounted rate for Golf Classic attendees. Located just minutes from the event venue, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations and convenient access to local dining and shopping.

Book your room by May 30 to receive the MPF rate. Click the buttons below to register for the tournament or if you are interested in providing a sponsorship.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Pharmacy Day at the Capitol provides an opportunity for pharmacists and student pharmacists to educate legislators on their value as health care professionals. Volunteers are given unique one-on-one time with Michigan’s elected officials to provide wellness demonstrations, including blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose monitoring, immunizations, emergency preparedness and healthy lifestyle practices. In addition, participants have a chance to utilize talking points to discuss key pharmacy issues with lawmakers.

This event is held in conjunction with Michigan Pharmacists Association’s Medication Disposal Event at the Capitol, which provides a venue for the public to safely dispose of unused, unwanted or expired medications and showcases the value of pharmacists in keeping patients and communities safe. For sponsorship opportunities, contact MPA Director of Government Affairs Eric Roath.

Save the Dates: 2025 MSHP Annual Meeting

and UP Fall Conference

The weekend of Oct. 24-25 will be packed with CE opportunities for pharmacists across the state with the MSHP Annual Meeting and the Upper Peninsula Division Fall Conference.

Registration for these events will be announced later this summer, but for now save the dates of Oct. 24 for the MSHP Annual Meeting at the Hilton DoubleTree Dearborn and Oct. 25 for the UP Fall Conference at the Northern Center in Marquette. See you there!

MPA CE Offerings

APhA Pharmacy-Based

Immunization Training

Live Webinar – July 17, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mixed Format - Self Study Required

APhA Pharmacy-Based

Immunization Training

Live Webinar – Sept. 9, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mixed Format - Self Study Required

NCAP Develops Substance Abuse Disorder Training Program

The North Carolina Association of Pharmacists has developed a comprehensive, one-time training program designed to give healthcare professionals a thorough understanding of preventing, detecting, and managing patients with substance use disorders. The program addresses prevention, treatment, and recovery, conceptualizing substance use disorder as a chronic brain disease affected by genetic, behavioral, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. The program will emphasize opioid use disorder (OUD) and is designed to equip participants with the information needed to treat and manage patients living with OUD effectively.

The target audience for this advanced-level training includes physicians, nurse practitioners/nurses, physician assistants, and pharmacists as well as clinicians who see patients with addiction in primary care, emergency/urgent care, treatment centers, or general psychiatry settings.

Wayne State Offers APhA Delivering Medication Therapy Management Services Certificate

Wayne State University is offering the APhA Delivering Medication Therapy Management Services certificate training at the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 12. Please contact Brittany Stewart at brittanystewart@wayne.edu with any questions.

Information about the course learning objectives and CE can be found here.

IBT Home Studies

Couldn't make it to a live implicit bias training (IBT) session? Not to worry, our IBT home studies could be right for you! MPA currently offers two IBT home studies. Both meet all current Michigan licensing requirements. Click the buttons below to get started!

Original MPA IBT Home Study

IBT 2.0 Home Study

Looking for Something Else? Try MPA's On-Demand CE

In addition, MPA offers other on-demand pharmacy CE on a variety of topics that can be accessed 24/7/365 on its website. Click the button below to view our catalog of programs.

MPA Home Study CE