The dog days of summer are over, and it’s time to start another year of great programming for WMSHP. Starting with our September meeting, WMSHP will now be partnering with the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) for joint providership of accredited pharmacy continuing education for both pharmacists AND technicians. We will be updating our website with new instructions for submitting CE credit starting with the September meeting and providing instructions at each program.

Thanks to everyone who joined us June 30th for the annual summer outing at Fifth Third Ballpark to watch the West Michigan Whitecaps on a beautiful summer night. It’s always great to have a fun night of networking with other pharmacists, technicians, family and friends. If you’re interested in more social networking opportunities, the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF) is hosting Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 15th at Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids. The cost is $175/person (60% is tax-deductible) and includes dinner, a brewery tour, and guided tasting with Founders’ brewery experts. The event is open to all pharmacy professionals and their friends, spouses and significant others. The money raised will be used by the MPF to support investments in the future of pharmacy through scholarships and grant funding. More information about the event, the Foundation and overnight lodging accommodations can be found at www.michiganpharmacists.org/Oktoberfest. The deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, October 3rd.

We look forward to seeing many of you Thursday, September 8th for our first CE event of the 2016-2017 year at Uccello's in Grand Rapids, where Derek J. Vander Horst, Pharm.D. will be giving a presentation on “HIV Pharmacotherapy: Back to the Basics“ for 1 live CE credit for pharmacists and technicians. Please consider encouraging any pharmacists and technicians you know who are not WMSHP members to consider joining. The $40 annual membership fee gives members access to up to 7 hours of live CE credits from our regular monthly meetings September through November and January through April. With an additional registration fee, our annual Spring Seminar in May provides another 5 hours.

We hope to see you September 8th!