APhA provides HCR op-ed template for pharmacists
Advocates can use model in crafting effective HCR letters.
APhA has authored a sample op-ed article that pharmacists can use as
a template when writing letters of advocacy for health care reform to
the media, civic groups, and government officials. The template
article, explains the importance of the pharmacist’s role in
keeping health care costs down, provides an introduction to medication
therapy management’s value in improving patient care and savings,
and presents pharmacists as a ready, knowledgeable, and willing
resources to be included in health care models for the future.
The letter can be augmented with personal stories and details before
submission. A personal perspective, one rich in detail, is always
beneficial when making an argument and helps advocates “stand
out” in the recipient’s mind. Today’s pharmacists
engage in a wide variety of patient care activities in many different
settings, and this fact is not widely understood by all policymakers;
show the audience specific examples of how modern pharmacists are making
a difference in improving patient care in the health care
system—and then project how much more can be accomplished in
properly designed settings of tomorrow. For more information on op-ed
composition and submission, see Tips
for Writing and Placing Op-Eds.
While APhA’s message of pharmacist inclusion has been very well
received, the fight to include pharmacists in pending health care reform
bills is far from won. The challenge remains keeping pharmacy in the
forefront as the weeks pass and as bills are revised and developed.
Advocates now, more than ever, are needed at this vital tipping
point.
APhA members can submit their op-eds to multiple local media
outlets using APhA’s
Legislative Action Center’s Media Section.
Related resources on www.pharmacist.com
Related resources on the Web:
Beth Farnstrom, (bfarnstrom)
Updated October 1, 2009, 3:30 pm EDT
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