NACDS receives ASAE's 2021 Power of A Gold award

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has been named a 2021 Power of A Gold Award winner for its COVID-19 Pharmacy and Public Empowerment Campaign. The award recognizes NACDS’ advocacy for policy changes at the state and federal levels that have further empowered pharmacies’ COVID-19 response and, most critically, helped protect the patients they serve.

The Power of A Gold Award, presented by the American Society of Association Executives recognizes and celebrates the extraordinary contributions associations make to society by enriching lives, creating a competitive workforce, preparing society for the future, driving innovation and making a better world.

NACDS’ work included:

• Declarations under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act to empower pharmacy teams for testing, vaccinations and more;

• Authorities secured in 42 states for pharmacies to take steps necessary for operational efficiency;

• 10 vaccine administration forums held between NACDS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;

• The engagement of 45 NACDS member representatives in the NACDS Immunization Working Group;

• Collaboration with allied state and national associations;

• Dedicated efforts focusing on vaccine equity;

• Communications initiatives – including advertising, media relations and coalition management that supported NACDS’ advocacy and that helped foster information flow with journalists and with the public. 

“NACDS is honored to have received this recognition from the American Society of Association Executives which salutes the extraordinary work of NACDS members and their pharmacy teams throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson.

“In March 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called on NACDS members to do whatever was necessary to stay open and serve the American public throughout the COVID-19 crisis. NACDS members and their pharmacy teams answered the call — helping to ensure equitable and convenient access to COVID-19 vaccines and point-of-care testing such as COVID-19 testing; keeping patients on their medication therapies; and providing flu and other routine vaccinations to protect patients from vaccine-preventable diseases," said Anderson.

Finally, Anderson said that NACDS has served as a unifying force to turn members’ insights and experience into policy recommendations that helped pharmacies and pharmacy teams perform their heroic role. "This in turn has empowered patients with access to some of the most trusted health and wellness access points and professionals at a critical time for our nation.”

ASAE celebrates the best work of the association industry and professionals at the annual Power of A - Summit Awards Dinner, which will take place on September 30 at the National Building Museum in Wash., D.C.

This year, out of 118 entries, six associations received a 2021 Summit Award (ASAE’s highest honor for the association community), 25 associations earned Gold Awards and 32 organizations received a Power of A Silver Award recognition.