Western Pharmacy Exchange to become a Virtual Experience

The California Pharmacists Association (CPhA), the largest statewide pharmacy association representing all pharmacy practice settings, has announced the transition of Western Pharmacy Exchange (WPE) from a live, in-person conference, to a solely virtual experience to ensure the health and safety of all pharmacy professionals, exhibitors, academic institutions, and industry partners.

"For centuries, pharmacy professionals have been the stand-alone healthcare providers that encompass trust, compassion, and care of families and communities. The trust between patients and pharmacists has been rooted in the value and service that pharmacy professionals provide during all stages of life," said Susan Bonilla, Chief Executive Officer of CPhA. "We care deeply about the health of our members and the important care provided to all individuals."

As the United States and, specifically, California communities care for those affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other conditions, it is imperative that pharmacists be available and healthy to serve their communities. All pharmacy practice settings are crucial to caring for others, which is why CPhA is calling upon all pharmacy professionals to stay healthy, limit travel, and be available to go above and beyond to provide care.

"To provide support during this time, CPhA will create a virtual Western Pharmacy Exchange, allowing all pharmacy professionals from throughout the United States to earn continuing education credits on their own time," said Dr. Ken Thai, President, CPhA. "The decision to make WPE a virtual experience will support the decisions of our partners in industry and chains to limit travel and will allow pharmacy professionals to be accessible and available to support communities and colleagues throughout the nation.

"CPhA is widely regarded as the leader for setting innovation benchmarks in the legislative and educational arenas. During this time of uncertainty, we are fortunate that we can respond to the needs of pharmacy professionals and deliver learning," said Bonilla. "To provide even further flexibility in a time of uncertainty, CPhA will make all WPE: Virtual CEs available through December 31, 2020."

Those interested in attending WPE: Virtual, taking place in mid-April, can visit www.westernpharmacyexchange.com for more information. Individuals who have already registered for Western Pharmacy Exchange will be fully refunded the price of their conference registration, or can request a portion of the registration credit be applied to WPE: Virtual, with the remaining balance refunded. The California Pharmacists Association remains committed to adapting to the needs of all pharmacy professionals in all practice settings as they provide vital care to communities across the nation.

About CPhA

The California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is the largest statewide professional association for pharmacists, student pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the country. CPhA represents the pharmacy profession in all practice settings and promotes the health of the public through the practice of pharmacy.