Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA)

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) is a national trade association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements. In 2011, the CHPA enlisted LS2group assistance for public relations and government affairs services in Missouri. The initial task was to assist the state lobbying team and provide grassroots support in key media markets around the state. After successfully defeating legislation opposed by the client, our role grew to include broader public affairs services, local (municipal) outreach, and ongoing grassroots support at the state and local level.

LS2group public relations and government affairs teams were able to successfully achieve CHPA goals through the following strategies:

• In 2011, the Missouri team successfully activated constituents in all major media markets and built a broad coalition of opponents to take action against a house bill. Our team was engaged after the bill reached the floor and successfully worked to stop the bill in the senate during the final week of session.
• To raise awareness of the client position, we began a series of public awareness and community outreach programs following the 2011 legislative session. Our team consistently placed earned media in every major Missouri market.
• In the summer of 2011, local communities began to take action on issues of interest to CHPA after the opponents were defeated at the state capitol. As a result, our role expanded to include municipal lobbying efforts in communities across the state. From Springfield to Kirksville, St. Louis to Kansas City, LS2group teams appeared before civic bodies on behalf of CHPA every month.
• In 2011, LS2group began a series of community outreach efforts at local pharmacies across the state to educate lawmakers, residents, and media about the variety of issues occurring and the success of current state law.
• During the 2012 legislative session, LS2group efforts with lobbying, grassroots, and public relations managed to keep negative legislation in committee during the session. CHPA approved legislation of was passed out of committee and moved farther than any other bill. On the final days of session, our efforts repeatedly defeated amendments proposed by the opposition.
• LS2group successfully launched an anti-drug diversion effort aimed at educating residents and putting criminals on notice. We enlisted the efforts of the Missouri Attorney General, local lawmakers, law-enforcement agencies, and pharmacists in target markets. Our team also secured radio, newspaper, and TV coverage across Missouri to raise awareness of the issue.

As a result of our efforts, Missouri consumers have been spared punitive legislation on many levels that would have resulted in higher costs, increased doctor visits, and no reduction in drug diversion.