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.