The Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) was formed September 2, 1879 in Columbus, Ohio under the name Ohio State Pharmaceutical Association (OSPA).
The purpose of the Association was to elevate the character of the pharmaceutical profession, by uniting the reputable druggists of the state in order to foster the education of those learning the art and thereby stimulate the talent of those engaged in pharmacy. In cooperation with its members and leaders, the present-day OPA continues to function by this purpose and act to positively impact the profession as these past extraordinary individuals did.
The mission of the Ohio Pharmacists Association is to invest in and empower Ohio pharmacists in every setting as the medication expert.
The mission of the Ohio Pharmacists Foundation (OPF) is to provide educational programs for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and consumers of health care that enhance the practice of pharmacy and patient outcomes, and to conduct research to support these efforts.
OPA Executive Fellowship in Leadership and Association Management
The Ohio Pharmacists Association Executive Fellowship in Leadership and Association Management is a postgraduate training program conducted at the Ohio Pharmacists Association headquarters under the direction of the staff of OPA. The fellowship is an excellent experience for those interested in learning all areas that are critical to any successful nonprofit organization and in developing leadership skills.
Impact the future of your profession through OPA advocacy and receive monthly legislative updates. Continue your professional growth with cutting-edge continuing pharmacy education (CPE) which is discounted for members. Keep up-to-date on industry developments via Ohio Pharmacy Newsline, OPA’s bi-weekly e-news brief, and the Ohio Pharmacist bi-monthly journal. Stay connected with Ohio’s pharmacy community through networking opportunities such as OPA’s committees and special interest groups as well as OPA social media. Gain exclusive access to Members Only content including salary surveys, collaborative practice agreements, and more!
OPA, in conjunction with the ACPE-accredited provider Ohio Pharmacists Foundation, provides the quality Continuing Education Programs you need to ensure your professional and business development. We make it simple to obtain your credits toward relicensure and, as an OPA member, you receive substantial discounts on all CPE offerings including:
Live seminars with cutting edge topics and top-notch speakers
In-depth certificate programs on topics such as Immunization and Smoking Cessation
Jurisprudence Education, qualifying for Ohio's CE requirement and much more
The Entrepreneurship Center provides pharmacists and student pharmacists with the business skills needed to be successful in today’s economy. A valuable resource for Ohio’s new and existing entrepreneurs, it serves to foster the skills necessary to develop viable, sustainable business models and to create novel practices within pharmacy practice by providing resources and education to Ohio’s pharmacists.
Pharmacy is facing more legislative battles than ever before, and we know these fights will continue into the future. Obtaining provider status, opening restrictive networks, regulating PBMs, and increasing vaccination authority, expanding consult agreements with physicians. OPA and Ohio pharmacists are actively involved in these issues, and we must keep making progress.
OPA lobbyists are hard at work to impact the pharmacy profession in Ohio. Find out the latest initiatives and bills that are being pushed through the Ohio General Assembly.
The Pharmacy Political Action Committee is a voluntary, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of pharmacists who are interested in promoting good government and public health. Pharmacy PAC money contributed by pharmacists goes to help candidates who support pharmacy in Ohio.
The OPA LDF was created in 2014 at the request of an independent pharmacy owner seeking to help OPA boost its advocacy efforts for pharmacists. Unlike a Political Action Committee (PAC) fund, where personal funds are given directly to political campaigns, both personal and corporate funds are accepted by the LDF to enhance our government affairs endeavors, and there are no limits on the amount you can give. Contributions from corporate funds may be tax deductible as a business expense.
Impact the future of your profession through OPA advocacy and receive monthly legislative updates. Keep up-to-date on industry developments via Ohio Pharmacy Newsline, OPA’s bi-weekly e-news brief. Stay connected with Ohio’s pharmacy community through networking opportunities such as OPA’s committees and special interest groups. Gain exclusive access to Members Only content including salary surveys, collaborative practice agreements, and more. Student membership pays for itself by attending 2 OPA events!
OPA has created the Independent Special Interest Group (SIG) to help ensure not only independent pharmacy's survival in Ohio, but success. The Independent SIG is providing its members with important benefits, and is a key resource and activist in independent pharmacy matters. Members receive valuable assistance in pharmacy management, help with third-party issues (including audits), an information source on specific issues affecting independents, and an advocate/representative on pertinent committees.
Clinical services allow pharmacists to practice at the top of their license. And, as the most accessible healthcare professionals, pharmacists are well-positioned to take on expanded patient care roles. Whether the focus is to improve patient outcomes or reduce overall health costs, pharmacists are an important part of the healthcare.
Ohio Pharmacists Association 127th Annual Conference and Trade Show
The profession of pharmacy is on the brink of major change in a variety of arenas, and the OPA 127th Annual Conference is structured to address these challenges. In addition to programs on the new Medicare Modernization Act, disease state management outcomes, and PBM issues, there will be sessions on clinical topics, technology, compounding, fitness, and OTCs. Two contact hours of Ohio jurisprudence CE will be offered as well. In all, you can earn 16 hours of CE, 21.5 hours if you attend the CPR course, AND you can use these hours if you report your CE this May 15 for licensure renewal.
Come to the 12th Annual Research Forum to learn about current research being conducted by faculty, residents, and students at Ohio colleges of pharmacy, as well as practitioners. Visit the Trade Show to learn about new products and pharmacy services, and win prizes. Stop by the Career Fair to network with recruiters from across the state. Serve as a delegate and help set policy for the Association and profession in the House of Delegates meeting. Attend the PAC Breakfast and support pharmacy lobbying efforts in the state.
Wherever you practice, the 2005 OPA Annual Conference has something for you. Don't miss out! Online registrations will be available February 3, 2005.
Trade Show and Door Prize Drawing Friday, 3:40-6:00 p.m., Saturday, 12:10-2:30 p.m. This year's Trade Show promises to help Improve Patient Outcomes by introducing pharmacists and pharmacy students to new technology, new drugs, and new ideas! During the two-day Trade Show, you will have ample time, without missing any CE, to meet and network with a variety of company representatives who will share their product and service information. You may even win a prize!
Poster Session Friday, 3:40-6:00 p.m. Our 6th Annual Poster Session will feature the research of faculty and students from our pharmacy colleges, and from practitioners around the state. Presenters will be eager to share their research and field your questions. The Poster Session will follow the Ohio Research Forum 2005 CE session. Thanks to sponsor Procter & Gamble.
OPA Town Hall and House of Delegates Meetings Saturday, 4:15 p.m. This year's House of Delegates meeting will be preceded by a Town Hall meeting where “hot” issues in pharmacy will be discussed, as well as OPA committee reports. You can shape the policies that will affect the future of pharmacy as a delegate to the House of Delegates. To register as a delegate, sign up on the conference registration form or at the OPA Conference Registration Desk. Everyone is invited. You do not have to be a delegate to attend.
Career Fair Saturday, 12:10 - 2:30 p.m. Are you searching for a first job or wanting to make a change? The 2005 OPA Career Fair will give you the opportunity to find out more about the many opportunities available in pharmacy: internships, residencies, part-time or full-time pharmacist positions. Be sure to bring copies of your resume'.
YOU ARE the Magic! OPF Silent Auction, Magician, Caricature Artists Friday, 7:00 p.m. Dress casually and enjoy a great dinner and entertainment featuring the magic of the Amazing Maxwell! Be prepared to laugh and participate in this unique comedy magic program where YOU will experience reality from another point of view! Caricature artists will be on hand to draw YOU and send you home with a keepsake from the evening. In addition, you will have the opportunity to support the Ohio Pharmacists Foundation's (OPF) educational programming and research as OPF holds its first ever Silent Auction. Pharmacy antiques, university paraphernalia, entertainment packages, and more will be tempting you.
President's Banquet and Alumni Reception Saturday, 6:30 p.m. As a prelude to the President's Banquet, plan to attend the College Alumni Reception, sponsored by the Council of Ohio Colleges of Pharmacy. This is a great way to start your evening, while renewing friendships and catching up on the latest news from your university. Following the reception, please join us for the black tie optional President's Banquet where dinner will be accompanied by the classical music of The Pharmacists Trio. OPA President-Elect Troy Gahm, R.Ph. will be installed as President along with the 2005-2006 officers and trustees. Immediately following the banquet, please plan to join us for the President's Reception featuring more music, a dessert bar and beverages.
Spouse/Guest Program Spouse/Guest participants have requested a visit to Easton Town Center which is home to an eclectic assortment of restaurants, entertainment venues, large department stores, exclusive retailers, and a 30-screen movie theater. Stop by the OPA registration desk to pick up your "Experience Easton" coupon book request, map, and transportation information. PHARMACIST REGISTRATION FEES Full Registration Member $199 ($219 after 3/28/05) Non-Member $269 ($299 after 3/28/05) Full registration includes admission to all CE Programs, handout materials, Trade Show, meals and breaks. Registration for the PAC breakfast is seperate. Full registration does not include CPR program.
One Day Registration Member Friday $109 ($119 after 3/29/05) Saturday $109 ($119 after 3/29/05) Sunday $79 ($99 after 3/29/05)
Non-Member Friday $149 ($159 after 3/29/05) Saturday $149 ($159 after 3/29/05) Sunday $109 ($119 after 3/29/05) One day registration includes admission to CE programs, breaks, meals and Trade Show. One day Sunday registration does not include CPR program. $$Link,http://www.ohiopharmacists.org/pdf_files/2005annualconfgoalsobj.pdf, 2005 Annual Conference Goals and Objectives$$ (PDF File: 45K) SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE</font color> Friday, April 15, 2005 7:30 a.m. Registration
Safe Medication Use in Recovering Addicts Nick Kallis, R.Ph. Michael Quigley, R.Ph.
10:10 a.m.Break
10:30 a.m.
MTM Technology Update Bill G. Felkey
Neuropathic Pain Deanna Maynard, Pharm.D., BCPS
OTC New and Recommended Products Andrea Wall, R.Ph., Kristin Casper, R.Ph., Pharm.D.
New Hope for GERD William Emlich Jr., D.O.
12:10 p.m.Awards Luncheon
2:00 p.m.
Research Forum Curtis Black, R.Ph., Ph.D., Moderator
PBMs 101 Mark S. Riley, Pharm.D.
Compounding Liability Karen E. Peterson, R.Ph., J.D.
Sleep and Headache Link Frank O'Donnell, D.O.
3:40 p.m. Trade Show and Poster Session
7:00 p.m. OPA Dinner and Fun Night: Magician, Silent Auction, Caricature Artist
Saturday, April 16, 2005
7:30 a.m. Registration
7:30 a.m. PAC Breakfast
8:30 a.m.
Ohio Law Update 2005 (repeated at 10:30 a.m.) Timothy Benedict, R.Ph.
PR for Pharmacy Joseph Dula, Pharm.D. Candidate
Psychological Trauma Randy A. Sansone, M.D.
Medicare Modernization Update Elizabeth Cepero, J.D., LL.M.
10:10 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m.
Ohio Law Update 2005 (repeated from 8:30 a.m.) Timothy Benedict, R.Ph.
Hyperlipidemia Pharmacology Jon E. Sprague, R.Ph., Ph.D.
HIV/AIDS in Women Patty Havard, Pharm.D.
Clinical Pearls Vincent F. Mauro, Pharm.D., FCCP
12:10 p.m. Trade Show, Career Fair, and Box Lunch
2:30 p.m.
Community Pharmacy Residencies Michael T. Rupp, Ph.D.
Management of Insomnia Markus Schmidt, M.D., Ph.D.
Physical Activity for Health William Richards, Ph.D. Candidate
Diabetes Fundamentals and Insulin Bryan Feldman, D.O.
Student Law Review Donnie Sullivan, R.Ph., M.S., Ph.D.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
7:30 a.m.Registration
8:30 a.m.
Medicaid Update Stephen Mueller, M.S., R.Ph.
Parkinson's Treatment and Counseling David Purdy, R.Ph.
The Role of the Pharmacist in Wellness Carrie Fish, R.Ph., Pharm.D.
10:30 a.m.
Update on New Drugs 2005 Karen L. Kier, Ph.D., M.Sc., R.Ph.
Together We Prepare American Red Cross Instructor
Legal Issues in Pharmacy Mary Beth Levine, Esq.
12:10 p.m. Annual Conference Adjournment
1:00 p.m. Adult CPR with AED The Continuing Education (CE) portion of the OPA Annual Conference is being coordinated by the Ohio Pharmacists Foundation, the educational arm of OPA. As part of its mission, the Foundation provides education programs designed for pharmacists, to address the daily issues of pharmacy. The Ohio Pharmacists Foundation is accredited by the Accredidation Council on Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmaceutical education. OPF SILENT AUCTION</font color>
The Ohio Pharmacists Foundation will be holding a Silent Auction in conjunction with the OPA 2005 Annual Conference to benefit its educational programming and research endeavors. The auction will be held Friday evening, April 15, at the Columbus Convention Center. To-date, four tickets to the May 1, 2005 Cleveland Indians baseball game, a denim shoulder satchel with pharmacy stamp imprint, a homemade Italian dinner and wine tasting for four, and several pharmacy antiques have been donated.
You too can contribute items to this event, either through your local association, employer, or college; or through a personal donation.
For a secure online Auction Solicitation form,$$Link,AWS_SSL:DisplayInputForm&FormID=45,CLICK HERE!$$
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer your assistance, contact Kathy Karas at rxkaras@earthlink.com. HOTELS</font color>
Hampton Inn & Suites, 501 N. High Street, is located across the street from the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Rates range from $105 to $150. Reservations may be made by calling 614-559-2000 or 800-426-7866. You must refer to Group Code: OP5 to obtain a room within our block.
The Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 North High Street, is connected to the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Rates are $119. Reservations may be made by calling 614-463-1234 or 800-233-1234.
Crowne Plaza Hotel, 33 Nationwide Blvd., is attached by an enclosed walkway to the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Rates are $119. Reservations may be made by calling 614-461-4100 or 800-338-4462.
Drury Inn & Suites, 88 East Nationwide Boulevard, is connected to the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Rates range from $98 to $128. Reservations may be made by calling 614-221-7008 or 800-378-7946.
Reservation requests after March 18 for the Hampton Inn, Hyatt Regency, and Crowne Plaza and March 29 for the Drury Inn are subject to availability and may not be at conference rates. A check, money order, or major credit card covering your first night's stay will guarantee late arrival. Cancellations must be received by 4:00 p.m. on night of arrival for refunds. $$LinkToEvents Enjoy Columbus ! For more information about Columbus, contact the Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800/345-4FUN.Or visit www.experiencecolumbus.com.