Press Release

125 Years Strong: Commemorating Organized Pharmacy in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – September 12, 2007 – The first published history of the state pharmacists association will be released this month.  Starting with the formation of the Indiana Pharmaceutical Association (IPhA) on May 9, 1882, the book traces the history of organized pharmacy in the state.

The book, 125 Years of Indiana Pharmacy: A History of Indiana's Pharmacist Association, is a behind the scenes look at the forces that led to the call for the creation of the organization, and the subsequent actions that the association undertook on behalf of the pharmacists and the citizens of the state of Indiana, including the creation of a State board of pharmacy and laws to regulate and advance the profession.

Authored by David Zahl, the story is a chronicle of the people, issues and actions of the Indiana Pharmaceutical Association and its successor organization, the Indiana Pharmacists Alliance.  Mr. Zahl touches on many of the defining issues of the various time periods since the founding in 1882.  He discusses the role of the association in the passage of legislation to create the state Board of Pharmacy, IPhA’s role in the matter of fair trade for retailers, and efforts to assist pharmacists and citizens devastated by the Ohio River flood of 1937.  Many other actions and activities of the association, up to the present day, are described in the tome.

The book will be unveiled at the annual convention of the Indiana Pharmacists Alliance and Community Pharmacies of Indiana at French Lick Resort & Casino on September 21 of this year.

About the book
For more information about the history of the Indiana Pharmacists Alliance or to schedule an interview, please contact Lawrence J. Sage, IPA Executive Vice President, at (317) 634-4968.  A high-resolution JPEG color photograph of the book cover is available by request.  Please contact Tabitha Cross at 317.634.4968 or e-mail tabitha@indianapharmacists.org.

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The Indiana Pharmacists Alliance (IPA) is a professional association serving Indiana's pharmacists since 1882 and pharmacy technicians since 1998.  IPA serves its members to improve the health of Indiana residents by enhancing the profession of pharmacy.  IPA accomplishes its mission through advocacy, education, and leadership.