NCPA Events 2026: Pharmacy Team Updates – March & April

Pharmacists and pharmacy teams have a range of professional development and training opportunities coming up in March and April 2026, hosted by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA). These events, offered both online and in person, cover topics from sustainable clinical service models to mental health first aid and preparations for a major global soccer tournament. The NCPA’s offerings aim to equip pharmacy professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate a changing healthcare landscape and better serve their communities.

Expanding Clinical Services and Sustainable Practice

On March 12th, the NCPA will host a webinar, “Building a Sustainable Clinical Services Model in an Independent Community Pharmacy,” as part of its NCPA Learning Hour series. This session will explore how one community pharmacy successfully expanded its pharmacist-led clinical services to create a more sustainable practice. Details and registration information are available on the NCPA website. The focus on sustainability is particularly relevant as independent pharmacies face increasing pressures from larger chains and pharmacy benefit managers.

Addressing Mental Health Needs in the Pharmacy Setting

Recognizing the growing require for mental health support, the NCPA is offering Mental Health First Aid training online on March 15th. This training is designed for pharmacy team members, who are statistically more likely to encounter individuals experiencing a mental health crisis than situations requiring basic life support or CPR. The course will focus on identifying, understanding, and responding to those in need of assistance. Importantly, registration is available at a reduced rate thanks to funding from the Cardinal Health Foundation, and the deadline to register is March 11th. PublicNow.com reports on this training, highlighting the increased likelihood of mental health encounters in pharmacies.

Preparing for Increased Demand During the Global Soccer Championship

Looking ahead to a major international sporting event – a global soccer championship hosted in the United States – the NCPA is offering a webinar on March 19th titled “Pharmacy Readiness Playbook for Global Soccer Championship.” This session, also part of the NCPA Learning Hour series, will provide practical strategies for independent community pharmacies to prepare for increased patient volume and demand during the tournament. The webinar aims to facilitate pharmacies “score large with patients” by ensuring they are well-equipped to handle potential needs related to travel, injuries, and general health concerns during the event.

Nutrition Literacy and Diabetes Management

On March 26th, the NCPA will host a webinar focused on nutrition literacy, titled “Nutrition Literacy in the Aisles: Empowering Pharmacy Teams to Deliver Practical, Culturally Responsive Food Guidance for Patients with Diabetes.” This training will explore how pharmacy teams can leverage readily available food products to guide patients with diabetes toward healthier choices. The session will also cover tailoring nutrition messaging to diverse patient populations and connecting patients with Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support services. This reflects a growing recognition of the role pharmacies can play in preventative care and chronic disease management.

In-Person Workshop for Pharmacy Owners

For those seeking more intensive training, the NCPA is hosting a Pharmacy Ownership Workshop in Charlotte, North Carolina, on March 21-22. Sponsored by McKesson and with partial support from First Financial Bank and Pharmacists Mutual Companies, this workshop is designed for pharmacists considering or currently operating their own pharmacies. Registration details and a waiver of liability are available in a PDF document from the NCPA. The workshop likely covers topics such as business planning, financial management, legal considerations, and operational best practices.

Understanding the NCPA’s Role in Pharmacy Education

The NCPA’s commitment to providing continuing education and professional development opportunities is central to its mission of supporting independent community pharmacies. These events are designed to help pharmacists and their teams stay current with industry trends, enhance their clinical skills, and improve the quality of care they provide to patients. The organization’s focus on topics like mental health, nutrition, and event preparedness demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing evolving healthcare needs.

Navigating Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Changes

Looking beyond March, it’s significant for pharmacies to prepare for changes related to the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, which begins January 1, 2026. The NCPA hosted a webinar on December 4, 2025, to discuss how the Beacon MFP platform can help pharmacies track manufacturer refund payments – a key component of the reimbursement process for the ten drugs subject to negotiation. This information, reported by PublicNow.com, highlights the importance of utilizing technology to manage the complexities of the recent program. Pharmacies will need to understand how to track refund status, view claim-level data, and file good faith inquiries to ensure accurate reimbursement.

These upcoming events and resources from the NCPA represent a valuable opportunity for pharmacy teams to invest in their professional growth and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Staying informed and engaged with industry developments is crucial for providing high-quality patient care and ensuring the long-term success of independent community pharmacies.