Today's independent pharmacists provide sophisticated pharmacist care services and information to millions of patients who pass through their doors each day. Because of their accessibility and their dedication to the profession, as well as their desire to serve the needs of their communities, independent pharmacists are a vital part of the United States health care delivery system.

The ability to quickly adjust to market demands is one of the greatest advantages of the independent. Providing services essential to the patients in their community such as home infusion, patient specific compounding, and long-term care consultation, establishes independent pharmacists as vital members of their community’s healthcare team. Services, including emergency prescription services, 24-hour delivery, and, most important of all, face-to-face interaction with patients further engrain the independent into the fabric of the community.

Independent pharmacy owners have the opportunity to practice pharmacy the way they choose, with the care of the patient being the top priority. Pharmacists are trained to serve their patients and in the independent setting, this service develops into a loyal relationship between the pharmacist and the patient. A monumental event took place in the pharmacy profession, more specifically for independent pharmacy practice, in 1898. NCPA (formerly known as the National Association of Retail Druggists or NARD), was founded that year and charged with the duty of representing the professional and proprietary interests of all independent pharmacists. NCPA has provided a legacy of service and benefits, not only for its members but for the member's patients as well. With long-standing recognition for its political clout and involvement in contemporary issues, NCPA has brought the issues important to owners, managers, and employees of nearly 25,000 independent pharmacies to the forefront of the federal government and its agencies. NCPA continues to offer its members valuable information on the business and practice of independent pharmacy, the latest developments in legislation and regulations affecting pharmacy practice, practical tools that can be used in every day practice, and an opportunity to expand their network of pharmacy colleagues. NCPA also works with other pharmacy organizations in an effort to present a unified voice for pharmacy on issues facing the entire profession. NCPA is the National Community Pharmacist Association representing independent pharmacy practice. If an individual wants the opportunity to practice pharmacy his or her own way, provide valuable services to a community, and continue the time honored tradition of helping others, independent pharmacy practice and NCPA are the way to go.

The NCPA Foundation offers NCPA Student Members an excellent opportunity to secure financial assistance in the form of scholarships and loans. Colleges/schools of Pharmacy are also eligible for funding by pursuing research in areas that highlight independent community pharmacy practice. The NCPA Foundation awards research grants to these colleges. Below are written descriptions of the different programs currently offered by the NCPA Foundation. Applications are included in the Student Chapter Operations CD. Detailed information can also be found on the NCPA website.

NCPA Foundation Student Loan Program - All NCPA Student Members in their final two and one-half years (last five semesters) of pharmacy school are eligible for an NCPA Foundation Student Loan. A student may apply for up to $5,000 per year for a maximum of $12,500. The applicant must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 and a minimum 2.50 GPA for the term immediately preceding the loan request.

NCPA Foundation Presidential Scholarship - All NCPA Student Members have the opportunity to apply for a $2,000 scholarship for the upcoming academic year. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. school/college of pharmacy and will be evaluated on the basis of interest and understanding of independent community pharmacy practice, academic achievement, and demonstrated leadership qualities.

Willard B. Simmons Sr. Memorial Scholarship - All NCPA Student Members have the opportunity to apply for a $2,000 scholarship for the upcoming academic year. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. school/college of pharmacy and will be evaluated on the basis of interest and understanding of independent community pharmacy practice, academic achievement, and demonstrated leadership qualities.

J.C. and Rheba Cobb Memorial Scholarship – All NCPA Student Members have the opportunity to apply for apply for a $2,000 scholarship for the upcoming academic year. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. school/college of pharmacy and will be evaluated on the basis of interest and understanding of independent community pharmacy practice, academic achievement, leadership qualities and a demonstrated interest in civic and government affairs.

NCPA Foundation Research Grant Program - The NCPA Foundation Research Grant Program will be awarding up to a total of $50,000 in research grants to colleges/schools of pharmacy. The maximum grant awarded for each research project is $10,000. The principal investigator for each research project must utilize at least one pharmacy student member, undergraduate or graduate level, to assist in conducting the project. Colleges of pharmacy are encouraged to contact the NCPA Foundation for information on this program by contacting our website at www.ncpanet.org or by calling 800-544-7447.