Congratulations to the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin (PSW) on receiving the Power of A Summit Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). The award is a high achievement in the association world. Way to go, PSW!

PSW was honored for its role in the Wisconsin Pharmacy Quality Collaborative (WPQC), which connects community pharmacists who have training in medication therapy management with patients, physicians, and health plans to improve the quality and reduce the cost of medication use across the state. “Through the WPQC, pharmacists have provided tens of thousands of health care services to Wisconsin consumers, more than 1,000 pharmacists in the state have been certified and nearly half of the state's pharmacies are accredited program partners,” PSW said in a special announcement to members.

In fact, we knew PSW was on to something remarkable. A report by the project investigators in a 2009 issue of JAPhA provides great background how this incentive-aligned program has enhanced ambulatory care in the Badger state.

As we continue our efforts toward achieving provider status, the WPQC is outstanding example of pharmacists integrating into the health care team and collaborating with other health care providers to improve patient care.

ASAE created the Power of A Awards to showcase how associations leverage their resources to solve problems and kick start innovation. In 2010, APhA was honored with an Award of Excellence for pharmacy disaster relief efforts after the Haitian earthquake by ASAE and the Center for Association Leadership. APhA mobilized its membership through Web, e-mail, and social media communications, calling on pharmacists to volunteer for missions to Haiti and to donate money to relief efforts. More than 2,500 pharmacists responded immediately.

PSW’s Power of A Summit Award for its work in the WPQC demonstrates that not only are pharmacists are making a difference, but people are taking notice and recognizing the capabilities of pharmacists. Keep up the great work, PSW and Wisconsin pharmacists—and let’s all spread the good word about our profession.