Sunday at APhA2026: Policy, purpose, and the power of unity

Cassie Rich is a second-year PharmD Candidate at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy.

Sunday morning at the 2026 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Los Angeles began early, but after a jam-packed weekend of pharmacy events, I was excited to get the day started. I was heading into the day with two major priorities. First, I was eager for the final session of the APhA–ASP House of Delegates (HOD) after seeing all four proposed resolutions successfully introduced on Saturday. Second, I was looking forward to a day of exciting APhA Foundation events, starting with the chance to connect with pharmacy leaders at the Annual Contributors Breakfast.

APhA Foundation Annual Contributors Breakfast

My day officially began at the annual APhA Foundation Annual Contributors Breakfast. This year, I was incredibly honored to attend as the 2026 recipient of the Mary Munson Runge Scholarship. When I arrived, I had the amazing opportunity to sit down and connect with my two wonderful scholarship contributors: Lawrence “L.B.” Brown, PhD, PharmD, and Wilma Wong, PharmD. Both are immensely influential pharmacists who were personally mentored by Mary Munson Runge, a trailblazer who made history as the first woman and first African American to serve as APhA president.

I have read many articles and stories about Mary Munson Runge, but hearing firsthand accounts of her profound influence and the personal impact she had on the people around her was an incredibly special experience. She was a leader who truly led by example. To be recognized by an honor in her namesake is a milestone I will never forget. Walking out of that breakfast, I felt deeply empowered to care for patients and advocate for the profession while leading with the values she championed.

APhA–ASP HoD: The final session

While my heart was full from the morning’s breakfast, my mind quickly shifted gears toward the main event, the final session of the HOD. Sitting on the floor with my fellow regional delegates was bittersweet. I was extremely excited that the resolutions we worked so tirelessly on were adopted, but I was also a little sad that this part of my responsibilities as APhA–ASP Region 3 regional delegate was coming to a close.

The camaraderie and friendship that the regional delegates built over the last year brought me immense gratitude. I am so grateful I stepped out of my comfort zone to run for this role. The late-night sessions—fueled by caffeine and a passion for policy—workshopping resolutions and background statements became some of my favorite APhA moments. This role facilitated deep connection with other student pharmacists across the country who are as passionate about policy and advocacy as I am. They all brought their own unique, diverse experiences to the table, and I learned so much for every single conversation.

Following passionate and insightful debate from student pharmacists representing chapters across the country, the following resolutions were adopted by the APhA–ASP HoD:

2026.1 - Integration of Wearable Medical Devices in Pharmacy Practice

1. APhA–ASP encourages authorized pharmacy personnel to educate and support patients in the appropriate selection, use, and interpretation of wearable medical devices including, but not limited to, fitness trackers and continuous glucose monitors.
2. APhA–ASP supports the ongoing development of education for pharmacy personnel on emerging and evolving wearable medical devices to strengthen the profession’s role in technology-enabled patient care.

2026.2 - Pharmacist Role in Combatting Inappropriate Polypharmacy

1. APhA–ASP urges pharmacists and student pharmacists to leverage their medication expertise to lead interventions that reduce inappropriate polypharmacy.
2. APhA–ASP encourages interprofessional collaboration to promote patient-centered, shared clinical decision making to optimize medication regimens and reduce inappropriate polypharmacy.
3. APhA–ASP calls upon pharmacies, health-systems, third-party payers, and other relevant stakeholders to develop sustainable reimbursement mechanisms for pharmacist-provided comprehensive medication management services that reduce inappropriate polypharmacy.

2026.3 - Vaccine-Related Misinformation

1. APhA–ASP recognizes vaccine-related misinformation as a significant public health concern and condemns the dissemination of false, inaccurate, or misleading claims that undermine evidence-based immunization practices.
2. APhA–ASP calls on academic institutions, state associations, and other professional organizations to prepare student pharmacists to combat vaccine-related misinformation and empower patients to make informed decisions.

2026.4 - Student Pharmacist Role in Standard of Care

1. APhA–ASP supports the establishment and recognition of a standard of care regulatory model in pharmacy practice that reflects the pharmacist’s education, training, experience, and integral role in providing patient care.
2. APhA–ASP calls for student pharmacists to engage in discussions, advocacy, and collaborative efforts with their respective state associations and related organizations to shape the development and implementation of standard of care in pharmacy practice.

These four resolutions address vital, rapidly evolving areas of health care, reflecting the concerns many APhA–ASP Chapters submitted at the 2025 Midyear Regional Meeting. I am extremely proud that our chapters were able to unite and support progressing student education in medical technology, recognize the critical role pharmacists play in addressing inappropriate polypharmacy, tackle the current public health crisis fueled by vaccine-related misinformation, and support a regulatory model that truly reflects a pharmacist’s capabilities.

During this session, several student leaders were recognized for their impact, dedication to legislative advocacy, and commitment to advancing the profession:

• Good Government Student Pharmacist-of-the-Year Award: Caitlyn Lucore
• Michael A. Mone APhA–ASP Speaker of the House Award: Hayden Wood

Guided by purpose, lifted by unity

The final session of the APhA–ASP HOD wrapped up with an inspiring address from incoming APhA–ASP National President Sean Kawa. He shared his presidential theme, “Guided by Purpose, Lifted by Unity.”

Sean explained how each and every student pharmacist has a personal reason for choosing pharmacy, but the collective strength of our voices is undeniably our greatest asset. Listening to him, it got me thinking: The policy process we just completed is the most profound living example of this theme. Each chapter submits policies driven by their local, individual purpose, but then we put our voices together and push forth resolutions united as student pharmacists standing in solidarity. We see the power to change our profession, and we do it together.

I am extremely excited for this upcoming year with Sean and believe this presidential theme could not be more timely. He encouraged attendees to boldly find our purpose, connect with others, and take necessary risks for the profession. Following his speech, the energy in the room was immense. Applause roared, and I could sense the student pharmacists were ready to be bold.

The power of “we”

My evening concluded on the highest possible note at the Remington Honor Medal Lecture and Dinner, celebrating Thomas E. Menighan, BSPharm, MBA, ScD, CEO Emeritus of APhA, as the 2026 recipient. I was incredibly fortunate to attend this elegant dinner alongside my fellow APhA Foundation Scholarship recipients, sitting alongside some of the most influential figures in pharmacy. It was a surreal, full-circle moment to be surrounded by these legendary practitioners while still being a student.

During his address, Menighan shared four pieces of wisdom that deeply resonated with me:

• Keep showing up: Say “yes” often, be fearless about rejection, and live every day with an attitude of gratitude and service.
• Find your “just cause”: Each of us have our own unique purpose, but our ultimate focus must always be built on collaboration, putting patients first above all else.
• Make collaboration visible: He encouraged leaders to highlight the behind-the-scenes work accomplished through partnerships with other organizations.
• A simple mission: “We have a profession where we never have to worry about making a living. So let’s worry about making a difference.”

At the dinner reception, Menighan revealed a fascinating detail: He completely avoided the word “I” in his entire Remington Address. Even while being presented with the most distinguished honor in the pharmacy profession, he insisted the focus remain on the collective “us” and the partnerships that built his career. I was in complete awe of how humble and selfless he was. I realized this is exactly the attitude required to push the profession forward. I left the dinner thinking that the power of “we” is the key for advancing the care our patients receive. I felt empowered knowing our new APhA–ASP presidential theme perfectly aligned with Menighan’s inspirational message.

Closing out the day

Sunday at APhA2026 was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a day filled with passion, solidarity, and the inspiration required to continue growing as a student leader in pharmacy.

The opportunities that have been given to me simply from stepping out and applying for things have provided me with experiences I will cherish forever. When I walked into any room at APhA2026, I was immediately greeted by the most friendly, uplifting, and driven individuals who genuinely wanted to connect and learn from each other.

This is the type of community you will experience attending conferences like the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition. So, my advice to student pharmacists across the country is simple: Take the chance to step out of your comfort zone. Apply for that scholarship. Run for the office. Attend the conference. You never know what incredible opportunities are waiting for you on the other side.