History of the Maryland Chapter

Having a distinguished history of 31 years, the University of Maryland Chapter of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association was established in 1974 by Alex M. Taylor, RPh and other students who then attended the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Maryland students were invited to attend the SNPhA national conference in Atlanta, GA in spring of 1974 by Michael Skinner, Minority Recruiter for Maryland and Ralph Arline, Executive Director for SNPhA (1975 - 1979) and instructor at Howard University, Washington, DC. During the conference in Atlanta, Mr. Taylor was elected to national office as president-elect. However, at that time, Maryland did not have a SNPhA chapter. Upon returning from the conference, Mr. Taylor along with students Clarence Jeffers III, Reginald Patterson, Michael Patton, Adesino Sobanjo, other students, and Michael Skinner convened to form the Maryland Chapter for SNPhA. And in 1974, Mr. Taylor was also elected president of the Maryland chapter.

Furthermore, in 1976, the Maryland chapter hosted the SNPhA national conference in Baltimore. That conference was not held jointly with the National Pharmaceutical Association as it is now. Now, Maryland is one of 45 SNPhA chapter members.

The Student National Pharmaceutical Association national organization was founded in 1972 as a student affiliate of the National Pharmaceutical Association. SNPhA is an education and service association concerned with pharmacy issues, professional development, and the lack of minority representation in pharmacy and other health professions.

Purpose

The purpose of SNPhA is to plan, organize, coordinate, and implement programs geared toward improving the health, social, and educational environment of the community. Likewise, SNPhA is to provide opportunities for professional development for its members.

Mission

The mission of the Maryland Chapter is the same as the national organization, that is to prepare minority students, through life long dedication and conscious efforts, to meet the challenges of the expanding role of the pharmacist and to direct health care expertise toward improving minority communities

Goals

The Maryland SNPhA Chapter goals are to work with individuals, organizations, and public agencies to assist with charitable and education programs. Also, SNPhA pledges to:

• Provide opportunities for members to develop leadership and organizational skills.
  

• Adopt Patterson High School Pharmacy Technician students to mentor and tutor.
  

• Educate students and the community and promote active participation in national health care issues.

• Help develop the role of minority pharmacists as vital members of the health care team.
  

• Develop, within all communities, a positive image of minority health professionals.
  

• Educate minority communities about how to use better health care practices and help to increase community awareness and understanding of the most common disease states.

Activities

Maryland SNPhA members will plan, organize, and implement activities for students and the community. Activities are often held in collaboration with other student organizations and/or health care professionals. Additionally, SNPhA members will:

• Attend the Maryland Pharmaceutical Society’s monthly meetings and plan and conduct the February student meeting.
  

• Plan and implement or participate in health awareness activities, including Take Time to Care: Wise Use of Medications, sickle cell anemia and immunization awareness, diabetes screening, Project Immunization, and an annual health fair.
  

• Plan, organize, and implement the annual Senior Banquet, Black History Month event, a career forum, and fundraising events.
  

• Publish the MD SNPhA Newsletter.
  

• Attend the meeting for Region 1 and the national conference.
  

• Plan and develop partnerships with organizations to provide scholarships, internships, and professional contact and information about career opportunities.

History of the National Organization

The Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) was founded in 1972 on the campus of Florida A & M University when Sharon Roquemore (now Sharon Lovick Edwards) and John J. Scrivens organized that first meeting. In addition to the students from Florida A&M University, students from Howard ,Texas Southern and Xavier Universities and other schools were also in attendance. The meeting participants numbered about one hundred.

Our many years of success are in part due to the outstanding leadership the association has had over the years. Mr. Clinton C. Cunningham was the first executive Secretary; serving from 1972 - 1974. Mr. Ralph Arline (deceased) succeeded him from 1974 to 1979. It was in 1979 that SNPhA gained its first female leader, namely Heidi Anderson (currently Dr. Heidi Anderson-Harper). For ten years, she provided impeccable leadership, bringing SNPhA into a new era. Continuing in Heidi's footsteps, Dr. Marisa Lewis took the helm in 1989 as Executive Director, and continues in that capacity today.

Over the years, SNPhA has been blessed with several Assistant Executive Directors, who include Dr. Terri Smith-Moore and Dr. Monina Lahoz. Currently serving are Dr. Patricia Lieveld, Associate Executive Director from 1989 to present, and Dr. Julie Smith, Assistant Executive Director from 1995 to present.

Officers (2005-2006)