Author: spokanepharmacyassociation

Message from the Board
By: SPA Executive Vice President Steven Webbenhurst

As I mentioned in my last message, 2020 has been different than any of us could have imagined. As COVID-19 becomes a more stable issue, other issues continue to arise. One thing that has been apparent is how quickly information changes. As COVID began to emerge, there were so many unknowns regarding the virus. We heard different things from different people or agencies. We were constantly bombarded with facts and theories.

For many of us, it was really information overload. That overload lead to stress and anxiety for most everyone, but especially for those of us in healthcare as well as for “essential” workers. If I checked news in the morning, by lunchtime there was something new. By dinnertime, there was still more new information. It was amazing to see the pace at which information came at us. The COVID topic was constantly in our faces. It was nearly impossible to avoid the topic. Whether you checked news sources or social media, it was the majority of what both covered.

As we worked our way thru the initial weeks of the epidemic, we were all amazed at how some information changed over time. We were told that masks weren’t necessary unless you had COVID or took care of someone with health issues. Then we were told to wear masks. Then not to wear masks. And then to wear masks as many people were asymptomatic carriers. And the mask controversy continues to evolve.

I think more importantly, we all realized that we got conflicting information depending on our sources of information. One official said one thing and another said something different. I hope that over time, most people were able to find a reliable and consistent source of information. And I’m sure it’s a shock, but not all the information on the internet (or Facebook) is true. 🙂

I have some information that has been verified. The Spokane Pharmacy Association is moving to a new membership platform this summer. You will receive information on how to create a profile along with other emails explaining this new platform. Like anything new, there may be a few hiccups along the way, but this will allow us to better serve all of you in the future with the added features this platform offers.

Stay well. Stay safe. We will be in contact regarding possible summer activities and we appreciate all you do for the community!

Message from the Board
By: SPA Executive Vice President Steven Webbenhurst

We all heard the jokes about 20/20 vision as 2019 ended. Looking into our crystal balls, I don’t think any of us foresaw our world changing the way it has this year with COVID-19.

It’s amazing to see how everyone associated with pharmacy has stepped up to the task of putting our patients’ needs ahead of our own in many instances during this troublesome time. I know that for a period of a week or two, changes were occurring in our personal lives that crossed over into our professional lives on an hourly basis. But, we continue to evolve our practices, to minimize the spread of the virus while still providing the best care for our patients. I won’t go into some of the stories I’ve read about that describe how healthcare workers are keeping their families protected, but I know that is a concern for all of us.

What I marvel at is how quickly we have adapted our practices so that we can continue to do what we do best; provide access to our patients while providing them with the medications and advice they need. On television shows, pharmacists are usually portrayed by older men with little personality in a setting that looks like it’s out of the 1970’s. In today’s world, I still think pharmacy is sometimes slow to change because we are cautious to make sure they are positive changes. But it is amazing how quickly our professional practices have shifted in the last few weeks to ensure that we can continue to serve our patients while being aware of risks of COVID.

I’d like to thank all of our members (and all pharmacists, technicians and interns) in our response to this crisis. You continue to make me proud to be a member of the profession.

Be safe, be compassionate, use good judgement and continue to serve our patients.

Message from the Board
By: SPA Executive Vice President Steven Webbenhurst

As the final days of 2019 are upon us, on behalf of the Spokane Pharmacy Association Board, best wishes for a wonderful holiday season!

For many of us, there will be time spent with family, attending parties and exchanging gifts. I have the perfect idea for a gift. It’s a gift you give yourself. One size fits all. You don’t even have to wrap it. It is membership for 2020 in the Spokane Pharmacy Association.

The board welcomes six new board members for 2020 and will continue to offer you many opportunities to learn, socialize and contribute to the community. As always, we will continue to offer outstanding continuing education events (and will be ACPE approved). Social/networking events will consist of either physical events (we did hatchet throwing this last fall) or mental events (such as trivia which always seems to be popular with our members). And we plan to do more activities with the community in 2020 as well.

And don’t forget that we have our Annual Awards Banquet and Meeting on February 20th! This year we are offering an early bird discount when buying tickets to this great evening.

So renew your membership NOW and give yourself a gift that will last all of 2020.

Happy Holidays!

Message from the Board
By: SPA Executive Vice President Steven Webbenhurst

November is here and it seems like the days go by even faster than ever. I read an interesting story online today about a woman and her kids that ran in to a Target store to grab a few things. They were in a hurry, something I think we can all relate to. The woman was happy to find a check-out lane that only had one customer ahead of her, and that customer was already being rung out. But soon the mother realized that the customer was paying for each of her items separately and with cash and coins. The clerk was being very kind and helping the customer find the correct change for each purchase. The mother was like many of us, wondering how she had picked a slow check-out lane. But the mother then realized her kids were watching the kindness of the clerk. Suddenly the mother realized that this was one of those “teachable moments” with her kids. After the customer was finished, the mother paid for her things and commented to the cashier how patient he had been with the previous customer.

As the hours of daylight shorten this time of year, and we all start to feel the added pressures of the upcoming holidays, I think that for most of us, we become more hurried in everything we do. Do we know what’s going on in the personal lives of those we work with? Do we REALLY know? And how about with our friends and family? Do we REALLY know what is going on with them? Do we know what stresses they might be feeling? Students feel the pressure of deadlines and finals. I think we all know what that is/was like.

I’ve decided that I’m going to concentrate on avoiding some of the stresses that come this time of year. I’m going to be more patient with all those around me. That includes my family of course, but also those I work with and those I interact with each day. So for me, that includes my fellow pharmacists, technicians and interns, doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and especially patients. I try to be compassionate to all those people, but I know there are times when I’m rushed, and don’t give them the time they deserve. I hope that this year, I’ll take a deep breath when interacting with others, and try to better understand their needs. I urge you to do the same thing, for your sake as well as those around you!