NACDS' Heidi Ecker Receives Distinguished Public Affairs Award for Grassroots Advocacy Work

PRESS RELEASE

Ecker Deemed Volunteer of the Year Award by Public Affairs Council

Arlington, Va. (October 15, 2014) — Underscoring her outstanding contributions to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) in developing the NACDS RxIMPACT program and her commitment to the public affairs profession, Heidi Ecker, NACDS director of government affairs and grassroots programs, was presented the distinguished Volunteer of the Year Award by the Public Affairs Council. Before an audience of peers and public affairs professionals, Ecker received the award during the Council’s Board of Directors meeting in California last week.

The Public Affairs Council is the leading nonpartisan, nonpolitical association for public affairs professionals worldwide. The Volunteer of the Year award is bestowed upon the individual who demonstrates a consistent record of involvement, including participating in the Council’s mentor program and political involvement networks, speaking at conferences or serving as an advisory committee member and assisting with providing counsel and resources to other public affairs professionals.

“Heidi is a grassroots advocacy architect. Joining NACDS over six years ago, she elevated the NACDS grassroots government affairs program to a new level by creating the NACDS RxIMPACT program to help educate and motivate pharmacy advocates on the importance of engaging with lawmakers on pro-patient, pro-pharmacy policies,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE.

The NACDS RxIMPACT program is comprised of several components offering advocates several opportunities to engage on behalf of pharmacy, including RxIMPACT Pharmacy Tours, RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill, RxIMPACT Training Program and RxIMPACT Votes. In addition, the RxIMPACT U Academy provides training opportunities for pharmacy students to get a jumpstart on engaging with policy makers about important issues that will impact the future of their profession.

“Heidi’s energy and tenacity have really driven the success of the NACDS RxIMPACT programs and we congratulate her on this well-deserved award from the Public Affairs Council,” said Anderson.

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NACDS represents traditional drug stores and supermarkets and mass merchants with pharmacies. Chains operate more than 40,000 pharmacies, and NACDS’ 125 chain member companies include regional chains, with a minimum of four stores, and national companies. Chains employ more than 3.8 million individuals, including 175,000 pharmacists. They fill over 2.7 billion prescriptions yearly, and help patients use medicines correctly and safely, while offering innovative services that improve patient health and healthcare affordability. NACDS members also include more than 800 supplier partners and nearly 40 international members representing 13 countries. For more information, visit www.NACDS.org.