History of CPS

Colorado Pharmacists Society (CPS) was founded in June 2001 by the formation of Colorado Pharmacal Association (CPhA) and Colorado Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP). The CPhA (Colorado Pharmacal Association) began as the Colorado Pharmacal Association in 1890 and celebrated its 110th Annual Convention in the year 2000. CPhA was the affiliated state association of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). The Colorado Society of Hospital Pharmacists, or CSHP, began serving health-system pharmacists over 50 years ago as an affiliate of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). These two organizations began a formal merge process in June of 2000 and completed the official formation of the Colorado Pharmacists Society in June 2001. 

President's Inaugural Address

Sarah Bow

President, 2024 - 2025

Good evening to everyone.

It is an honor and a privilege to stand before you today as the incoming president of the Colorado Pharmacists Society. I am humbled by the trust you have placed in me, and I am excited to embark on this journey with all of you.  My path with CPS started in 2018 when I attended my first CPS winter meeting.  Of note, if you’ve never attended that winter meeting, you really should-it’s really the most incredible conference / vacation!   

I wanted to my CPS story with you all, and how it’s impacted my career:

I was laid off after 17 years at a pharmacy/healthcare organization.  I didn’t have a professional network, I didn’t have a working resume and I was completely lost.  Past-president Tisha Smith, who is one of CPS’ biggest supporters, told me that I needed to sign up for CPS.  I did (thank goodness) and have reaped the benefits of the networking, friendships, leadership opportunities ever since. Additionally, the opportunity to give back to the profession and to support the organization that is working hard to ensure sustainability of our profession is really fulfilling.  I’ve also been able to see, first hand, how innovative, hard working and amazing our ED Emily Zadvorny, is.  Thank you, Emily! 

Before we dive into the exciting plans and initiatives for the upcoming year, allow me to share a small piece of  pharmacy history. Did you know that the word "pharmacy" is derived from the Greek word "pharmakeia," 

In its original usage, "pharmakeia" encompassed:

• The use or administering of drugs
• Poisoning
• Sorcery, magical arts, often connected with idolatry

The Greek word captured the idea of using drugs and magic together.  It's a testament to the enduring legacy of our profession, which dates back to ancient civilizations, but continues to highlight that pharmacists really do work magic! It's essential to honor our roots, it's equally important to continue advancing to ensure the longevity of our profession.

My plans and initiatives for the coming year are rooted in the necessity to preserve our profession and ensure its longevity.  How can CPS affect this?? By focusing on the following:

Wellbeing for Our Profession

 As president, one of my foremost goals will be to continue to advance the welfare of our esteemed profession. As guardians of public health, it's crucial that we prioritize our mental, physical, and emotional health to effectively deliver healthcare services to those who rely on us. CPS will persist in leveraging our influence to bring about change in critical areas affecting our profession's well-being, such as pharmacy work conditions and safety, payment models, the well-being of pharmacists and pharmacy students, and fostering ongoing communication across employer, state board, and our pharmacy society channels.

Engagement of Members 

The vitality of our CPS hinges on the active involvement and contribution of our members. We comprise a diverse and skilled community of professionals, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Together, we possess the power to shape the trajectory of pharmacy both in Colorado and beyond. It's crucial that we harness our distinct viewpoints and amplify all voices to propel our shared objectives forward and foster continuous growth. CPS serves as the primary advocate for pharmacy legislation in the state, and without CPS, the profession loses its voice in guiding and advancing our field. I urge each of you to reflect on your level of engagement and encourage you to elevate your participation. Join us at our sip n socials (and bring along friends!), participate in our continuing education sessions and town halls, and inspire your colleagues to join as members. Every individual's involvement is invaluable—we need everyone onboard!

Optimizing CPS Systems

Effective communication, information accessibility, a robust website, and streamlined processes form the foundation of every thriving organization. With the assistance of our board, committees, and academies, we aim to optimize our society's internal workings. By harnessing technology, adopting best practices, and perpetually seeking improvements, we strive to elevate our members' experience. A finely tuned system enables us to direct our attention to what truly counts – bolstering our members and propelling pharmacy practice forward.

 As we embark on this new chapter together, I am filled with excitement and optimism. Our profession has a rich history, and our future is brimming with possibilities. Together, we will navigate the challenges, seize opportunities, and leave an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape. 

Thank you for your trust, your support, and your unwavering commitment to the Colorado Pharmacists Society. Let us raise a glass (or perhaps a prescription bottle) to the journey ahead, and may it be filled with growth, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence. Pharmacy forward!

Past Presidents

The Colorado Pharmacists Society truly appreciates your time and devotion to the society as well as your invaluable leadership. You are NOT forgotten!