The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), founded in 1881, is a member-based association representing the leading manufacturers and distributors of nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and nutritional supplements. Many CHPA member products provide millions of Americans with safe, effective, and convenient therapies for the treatment and prevention of many common ailments and diseases.

Mission

CHPA is committed to promoting the increasingly vital role of over-the-counter medicines and nutritional supplements in America’s healthcare system through science, education, and advocacy. The association provides leadership and guidance on regulatory and scientific issues to Congress; state legislatures; and federal, state, and international government agencies. CHPA shares tools and information with partners across the globe to ensure the safe and responsible use of OTC medicines.

1881: The Proprietary Association (PA) is formed.

1989: PA changes its name to the Nonprescription Drug Manufacturers Association (NDMA).

1998: NDMA expands its representation to include the nutritional supplement industry.

1999: NDMA changes its name to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA).

2005: CHPA launches its nonprofit educational foundation.

2007: CHPA introduces OTCsafety.org as the new home to its consumer education initiatives.

CHPA has over 60 Active and 110 Associate members today.

Active members manufacture or market OTC medicines and nutritional supplements.

Associate members supply goods and services to the association’s Active members. Associate members include advertising agencies; national cable, radio, and television networks; contract manufacturers; executive search firms; Internet services; law firms and lawyers, logistics providers; market research firms; packaging designers and packagers; print media; non-OTC and non-dietary supplement manufacturers; sales, marketing, and retail merchandising companies; trade associations and nonprofit foundations; individual and scientific consulting companies; retailers and suppliers; public relations firms; and clinical and research services.

CHPA is led by a board of directors from member companies, headed by Chair John T. Hendrickson of Perrigo Company.

President Linda A. Suydam, D.P.A., is the senior staff executive, supervising the association's 30-plus employees across six departments:

• Communications
• Finance & Operations
• Legal & Government Affairs
• Membership & Corporate Development
• Policy & International Affairs
• Regulatory & Scientific Affairs