Formed in 1852, APhA is the oldest and largest voluntary organization of pharmacists in the world, with more than 60,000 members from all branches of pharmacy practice.  For more than 150 years, APhA has been influencing policies and setting priorites in public health, and we have been in the forefront of numerous efforts to prevent disease and promote health.  As the research and public education arm of the association, the APhA Foundation was established in 1953 to improve the quality of consumer health outcomes through research, public education, issue forums, and awards and recognition.  The Foundation offers programs, runs projects, and provides grants that contribute new information and fresh ideas for pharmacits to use in retooling their practice to meet the health needs of their patients.

Following are some of the many accomplishments of the APhA and its Foundation:

- Led a coalition to advance pharmacy education by supporting the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree as the entry-level degree for the profession;

- Worked to empower pharmacists to take on broader health care roles, as evidenced by the growth of pharmacists-based immunizations and the expansion of collaborative practice legistlation throught the United States;

- Provided the first Incentive Grants Program through the Foundation to pharmacists to develop innovative pharmacy services.  To date, close to $300,000 has been awarded;

- Secured the inclusion of language in Medicare that recognizes pharmacists as health care service providers;

- Launched the nation's first Medication Safety Self-Assessment for Community/Ambulatory Pharmacy.  This was created by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices through joint funding with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores;

- Secured coverage of medication therapy management services as a pharmacist service that is a covered benefit under Medicare.