Georgia Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Mission, Values and Objectives

Welcome to the Georgia Society of Health-System Pharmacists (GSHP). Our mission is to empower pharmacists in Georgia by providing the tools, resources, and advocacy they need to thrive in health-system practice. This page outlines our guiding principles, including our mission and vision, as well as our core objectives that drive us forward. At GSHP, we are committed to advancing public health through the promotion of high standards in pharmacy practice, education, and research. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and professional development, we aim to shape the future of health-system pharmacy in Georgia.

Our Mission Statement

The mission of the Georgia Society of Health-System Pharmacists is to help our members become better practitioners.

Vision Statement

To be recognized as the voice and resource for Health-System Pharmacy in the state of Georgia.

Objectives of GSHP

To advance public health by promoting the professional interests of pharmacists practicing in organized health‑care settings through:

1. Advancing Pharmacy Practice & Public Health

Fostering pharmaceutical services aimed at drug-use control and rational drug therapy
Developing professional standards for pharmaceutical services
Promoting research in the health and pharmaceutical sciences and in pharmaceutical services
Fostering rational drug use in society, such as through advocating appropriate public policies
Increasing involvement in large public awareness issues (e.g., medication reconciliation) and pursuing partnership with the Georgia Hospital Association on these issues

2. Professional Development & Competence

Fostering an adequate supply of well-trained, competent pharmacists and associated personnel
Developing and conducting programs for maintaining and improving the competence of pharmacists and associated personnel
Providing educational opportunities relevant to current issues affecting pharmacy practice
Promoting the value of serving as a pharmacy preceptor and to provide tools to facilitate preceptor development
Utilizing technology to make programs more accessible to health-system practitioners

3. Advocacy & Public Policy

Advocating technician registration in the state of Georgia.
Promoting and leading in billing for cognitive services and provider status
Encouraging the nomination of additional health-system pharmacists on the Board of Pharmacy

4. Student & Technician Engagement

Fostering student interest in pursuing health-system pharmacy as a career path
Increasing technician training and promoting technician certification

5. Economic Welfare & Workforce Enhancement

Promoting the economic welfare of pharmacists and associated personnel
Encouraging the Deans of Georgia’s Colleges of pharmacy to become involved in GSHP

6. Communication & Information Dissemination

Disseminating information about pharmaceutical services and rational drug use
Improving communication about pharmaceutical services and rational drug use

7. Excellence in Pharmacy Practice

Promoting, Recognizing and fostering excellence in health-system pharmacy practice

2026 Goals

GSHP Strategic Priorities 2026

1. Bolster offerings for technician involvement

Assess the effectiveness of mentor/mentee program technician pairings via a feedback survey

Develop a virtual resume and interview skills workshop and feedback survey

Provide at least 2 technician stipends for each statewide meeting

2. Continue to provide educational resources for all members at state and district meetings, as well as webinar offerings.

Offer at least 24 hours of online CD webinars every year

Continue promoting presentation via social media at least 2 weeks and 1 week before with content-specific graphics

Conduct a technician-specific survey to identify preferred methods and platforms for CE

3. Encourage GSHP membership and involvement from all Health-System Leaders

Develop programming specific to leadership in the next year

Provide 4 hours of leadership-specific webinar CE within the next year

Advertise group discounts to DOPs in Fall and Spring

4. Maintain a high level of member satisfaction

Conduct a member survey every 2 years and develop an action plan

Complete website redesign

Provide updates on GSHP legislative activities and priorities at least annually

5. Increase the number of emerging practitioner members

Develop needs assessment survey for emerging practitioners, students, residents

Based on survey results, develop focused outreach to new student, resident, and practitioner members

6. Increase social media presence to attract new members

Create a structure for regular posting of digital marketing content on social media pages

Develop a student ambassador program for each statewide meeting

Participate in ASHP's "We're Your Pharmacist" campaign

7. Promote continued expansion, sustainment, and leadership opportunities for members

Align Executive Board Liaisons with committee chairs to ensure completion of charges

Ensure committee members execute assigned committee charges

Develop a web form for members to submit interest in GSHP leadership opportunities

8. Foster innovation in pharmacy practice

Implementation of inaugural GSHP Grants program

Continue to offer annual poster session to showcase research, best practices, and case studies

GSHP History

GSHP began in 1952 with a small group of fourteen hospital pharmacists and two associate members who believed in advancing pharmacy practice across Georgia. What started as a close-knit group has grown into a vibrant professional community, with membership reaching more than 1,500 at its peak. Today, GSHP is recognized as one of the largest state affiliates of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Back in the day, membership dues were just $2.00 (gasoline was only $0.27). As the organization grew, so did its ability to support pharmacists across the state. That growth has always been guided by a simple idea, which is to serve the profession and the people within it.

The strength of GSHP has always come from its members. Over the years, hundreds of pharmacists have volunteered their time, energy, and leadership to move the organization forward. The Society is guided by a Board of Directors, along with committee leaders and pharmacy school liaisons, all working together to represent and support the profession.

A key step in GSHP’s growth came in 1998 with the addition of professional management support through Glass Management Services (our very own Steve Glass). This helped strengthen the organization’s operations while allowing member volunteers to continue driving its vision and direction.

Education has always been at the core of GSHP. From the earliest meetings to today’s programs, the focus has remained on delivering meaningful, practical learning opportunities. Through thousands of hours of educational programming, GSHP has supported pharmacists across Georgia in staying current, growing professionally, and improving patient care.

From its beginnings to today, GSHP has remained grounded in its purpose of supporting pharmacists and advancing practice across the state. That commitment continues to guide the organization into the future.