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 dietary 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 dietary 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.
History
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).
2004: CHPA establishes its nonprofit educational foundation.
2007: CHPA introduces OTCsafety.org as the new home to its consumer education initiatives.
2009: CHPA launches the comprehensive StopMedicineAbuse.org initiative to fight teen cough medicine abuse.
2011: CHPA launches KnowYourDose.org, in partnership with the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition, to serve as platform about safely and effectively using acetaminophen.
2011: CHPA launches UpandAway.org, in partnership with the CDC, to fight accidental medicine ingestion in children.
Membership
CHPA has more than 80 Active and 140 Associate members today.
Active members manufacture or market OTC medicines and dietary 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, non-dietary supplement, and tablet 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.
Structure
CHPA is led by a board of directors from member companies, headed by Chair James J. Mackey, Merck Consumer Care..
President and CEO Scott M. Melville is the senior staff executive, supervising the association's 30-plus employees across six departments:
- Administration
- Communications
- Corporate Development
- Government Affairs
- Policy & Legal
- Regulatory & Scientific Affairs