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The (NASPA) has awarded Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice Sarah Lynch with the prestigious Excellence in Innovation Award. Each year, NASPA recognizes the outstanding contributions of members who are transforming higher education through exceptional programs, innovative services and effective administration.

Lynch was recognized at the annual (PSSNY) meeting on May 2 and recently received the award, which honors pharmacists nationwide who demonstrate exceptional innovation in advancing patient care and the pharmacy profession.

“One of my favorite things about this job is seeing a gap or opportunity and getting to do something about it — whether that’s through a project, education or advocacy,” Lynch said. “I’m really passionate about access to contraceptives and reproductive health, and it’s so meaningful to teach our students about these issues. Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for people seeking care, especially in contraception. Helping future pharmacists realize their potential role in patient care is a huge part of why I do what I do.”

Women’s health advocacy has always been a passion for Lynch, dating back to her time in residency.

“I almost stumbled into women’s health advocacy during my residency in Illinois,” she said. “I was working on projects related to birth control prescribing in Oregon and also took part in a women’s health elective. Those experiences really opened my eyes to the broader needs in reproductive health. Since then, I’ve had the chance to speak and write on topics like medication termination and expand my work well beyond contraceptive prescribing.”

Lynch was nominated by Chair and Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice Kenneth McCall because of her extensive involvement in advocating for women’s health issues and expanding access to contraception at both the state and national levels.

“Her advocacy efforts have championed women’s health issues and have contributed to the enactment of state legislation that expands access to hormonal contraception for women across New York,” McCall said in his nomination letter. “Her efforts contributed to the passage of which allows New York pharmacists to provide hormonal contraception to patients without a prescription. As a practicing pharmacist at Wegmans Pharmacy, she is advising their leadership team on the implementation of this scope of practice for pharmacists. Her work in this area has helped to advance pharmacy practice and expand access to contraceptive care.”

Lynch says she’s honored to be recognized and receive this award and will use it as motivation moving forward.

“Of course, you don’t do this work for the awards,” Lynch said. “But it’s still meaningful when someone sees what you’re doing and thinks it’s making a difference. For me, it’s not just about the policies or programs — it’s about creating meaningful access and empowering both patients and pharmacists. Knowing that work is being recognized just adds fuel to keep going.”