With 2020 underway, HDA’s John M. Gray provided perspective on the vital role of pharmaceutical distributors and the Alliance’s policy priorities as part of Chain Drug Review’s annual “Pharmacy Outlook” feature.

In October 2018, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act was signed into law. This bipartisan legislation offered a comprehensive response to the prescription opioid abuse epidemic — its enactment marked a significant step towards advancing meaningful solutions to address this public health crisis.

The opioid abuse epidemic is a complex and multifaceted issue that progressed over decades of federal policy and clinical practice that encouraged prescription opioids as the primary option for pain management. But recent media coverage does not provide the full picture and leaves out important details about the epidemic and its origins.

A comprehensive understanding of the multiple drivers of the opioid abuse epidemic is key to moving forward with solutions to address this public health crisis.

Last week, Allied Against Opioid Abuse (AAOA) partners, the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the PA Foundation, joined HDA at the Distribution Management Conference and Expo (DMC) for a discussion about how we are working together to educate and raise awareness about the rights, risks and responsibilities associated with prescription opioids.

With a new year in full swing, HDA President and CEO John M. Gray looked ahead to the organization’s 2019 priorities (along with other industry association executives) as part of the Chain Drug Review “Pharmacy Outlook” feature.