ADVERTISEMENT

From the Desk of the CEO

/ Author: James Keagy / Number of views: 2521 / Comments: 0 /

One life lost is one too many—Pharmacists must be part of the solution

As the nation confronts the ongoing substance use disorder and overdose crisis, APhA is continuing to advocate for pharmacists to be recognized as essential members of the care team. In this blog, CEO Michael Hogue reflects on the release of the new National Drug Control Strategy, the lives impacted by addiction, and the critical role pharmacists play in prevention, treatment, recovery, and connecting patients to care.

Categories:CEO Blog

Featured Post

Posted: Mar 10, 2026

Lessons from Coach Lou Holtz

APhA CEO Michael Hogue reflects on the wisdom of legendary football coach Lou Holt, while encouraging pharmacy professionals to consider how the coach’s words may impact their role in the profession.

All Posts

Posted: Oct 13, 2023

Reflections on my recent trip to Kansas City

Dear Member, 

Last week I spent a few days in Kansas City meeting with pharmacists, some of whom were part of the walk-out that has been reported in the media. 

I wanted to write today to share some reflections on my visit and what APhA is doing to be part of the solution. 

Voices of APhA

Perspectives & Stories from Our Staff

Posted: Jun 3, 2026

The bill formerly known as ECAPS

Douglas Huynh, JD, Director, Congressional Affairs, APhA

In this blog, Doug Huynh provides an inside look at recent congressional activity surrounding H.R. 3164—the “Main Street Pharmacy Access Act,” formerly known as ECAPS. He breaks down what this progress means for pharmacists, patients, and the broader healthcare system, and why this moment represents an important step toward recognizing pharmacists as essential Part B providers.

Posted: Apr 30, 2026

Redefining Possible: A personal reflection on passion, purpose, and joy

Magaly Rodriguez de Bittner, PharmD, MS, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, President, APhA

Magaly Rodriguez de Bittner, PharmD, MS, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP—in her first blog as APhA President—reflects on the values that continue to shape the future of pharmacy: passion, purpose, and joy.

Posted: Aug 21, 2025

A peek behind reconciliation

Douglas Huynh, JD, Director, Congressional Affairs, APhA

In this blog, Douglas Huynh offers a behind-the-scenes look at how lobbying works in practice—cutting through spin, navigating political realities, and seizing legislative opportunities. Through the story of the ECAPS Act and its attempt to ride along in a reconciliation package, he shows how politics often trumps policy, even when everything seems lined up for success.

Guest Spotlights

Thought Leadership & Contributions from Industry Experts

Posted: Jun 10, 2026

Offer vaccines just as strongly as last year

Col (Ret) John D. Gräbenstein, RPh, PhD, FAPhA, Managing Editor, IZ Express, Immunize.org

In a new guest blog from APhA, Col (Ret) John D. Gräbenstein, RPh, PhD, FAPhA, encourages pharmacists to continue giving strong vaccine recommendations and reminds the profession that vaccines remain one of the safest and most effective tools to prevent serious illness and death.

Posted: Jun 8, 2026

The Importance of Motivational Interviewing and Patient Connection

Bruce A. Berger, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy

Fifteen years ago, William Villaume and I developed our sense making approach to motivational interviewing (MI) based on Brenda Dervin's sense making theory.

Posted: Apr 10, 2026

APhA: Still all in

Guest blog from Alex Varkey, PharmD, MS, FAPhA

After 25 years as a member of APhA, and more than 20 years of active service in a variety of leadership roles,—Alex Varkey is sharing a personal reflection you won’t want to miss.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT