Association Perspective
Michael D. Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, Executive vice president and CEO of APhA
Nearly everyone can agree that doing business in Washington, DC, as a professional association is radically different than what we’ve experienced in the past two decades. What I’ve learned in working with politicians on Capitol Hill and in the administration is that the way we go about our advocacy agenda as a health care professional association requires much different tactics than ones we’ve used in the past.
In today’s environment, the patient holds more influence than ever, as they rightly should. Health care providers who want to improve health care through changes in laws and regulations need to leverage partnerships with patients to make this happen.
While APhA has been involved in many coalitions inside of the profession, it is clear that our goal of ensuring every consumer has access to and coverage for pharmacist provided care services means that we must partner in more meaningful ways with patient advocacy organizations.
One way APhA is doing this is through our membership in the National Health Council (NHC). NHC’s motto is “Putting Patients First.” Through NHC, APhA is able to bring the voice of the pharmacist to the table on issues that are a priority for our members, including reducing health care costs. NHC brings dozens of patient advocacy groups together to meet with provider organizations like APhA to find common ground for advocacy positions.
In addition, APhA is forming new partnerships with the Association of Community Health Centers, a physician-led advocacy organization that understands the importance of Medicare Part B coverage of pharmacist care services.
Community health centers across the U.S. employ thousands of pharmacists in direct patient care roles, and they partner with thousands more pharmacists in community practices to ensure access to medicines and care services in the local community. Imagine physicians and pharmacists working together to preserve access to the entire health care team!
More recently, the value of coalitions to address immunization uncertainty created by the dismantling of CDC’s ACIP has been immeasurable. APhA is participating in three key provider coalitions to ensure that pharmacists and other health care professionals have clear, objective, science-based guidance on how to use vaccines in various populations.
APhA is very proud of our work on coalitions. As an APhA member, you might not think every day about the value that APhA membership brings to you in this form of advocacy. But consider what would happen to our profession if APhA wasn’t sitting at these tables on your behalf? We appreciate that you don’t take this work for granted and that you support the association that is representing you in Washington, DC, and throughout our government.
For every pharmacist. For all of pharmacy. ■