Valerie Panyanouvong is a final-year PharmD candidate at the University of Louisiana at Monroe College of Pharmacy.
During my recent global health APPE at the Birmingham Free Clinic in Pittsburgh, PA, I participated in the University of Pittsburgh’s annual Capitol Hill advocacy trip. As the only visiting student representing the University of Louisiana at Monroe, I advocated as a Louisiana constituent. I met with staffers for Sen. John Kennedy (R–LA) and Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson (R–LA), independently leading each meeting. The focus of our advocacy was the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (ECAPS).
ECAPS would allow Medicare Part B reimbursement for pharmacist-provided testing and treatment for common infectious diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, RSV, pneumococcal disease, hepatitis B, and strep throat. While pharmacists already provide many of these services in numerous states, the lack of consistent federal reimbursement threatens long-term access, particularly for seniors and rural communities.
Articulating our message
Although I previously participated in advocacy through the Shot@Life Summit representing the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA), this experience felt different. ECAPS directly affects my future profession. I previously served as vice-chair of Operation Diabetes at my college’s APhA Chapter and as a member of SNPhA’s National Board Subcommittee for Operation Immunization. This legislation aligns closely with my work coordinating vaccine clinics and public health initiatives in my community.
Prior to the Hill visits, we participated in preparation meetings led by APhA staff. Both virtually and at APhA headquarters, we discussed how advocacy messages differ by congressional office, emphasizing health equality and access in some meetings and cost savings, rural access, and taxpayer impact in others.
What felt most uncomfortable yet most important was realizing that I was representing the pharmacy profession for my state. During the visits, I had to clearly articulate why pharmacists matter, particularly in rural areas, where they may be the only accessible health care providers. I emphasized that ECAPS supports community pharmacies, keeps patients out of costly emergency departments, and represents a cost-effective investment in public health.
Building relationships
Several moments from the meetings stood out. I first met with Valerie Bygog in Rep. Johnson’s office. While the Speaker cannot formally endorse or co-sponsor legislation due to procedural neutrality, the office was receptive to our discussion. Seeing that she remembered me from a previous advocacy summit was a great reminder of building relationships.
I later met with Nick Ayers, a staffer for Sen. Kennedy, who was engaged, asked thoughtful questions, and responded positively to our request.
Gaining confidence as an advocate
This experience helped me understand what advocacy actually looks like as a student pharmacist. Working alongside APhA leadership showed me how preparation and guidance can make conversations with policymakers feel approachable rather than intimidating. Being supported while still leading my own meetings helped me gain confidence and better understand how pharmacists can take an active role in shaping the future of the profession.
The most rewarding outcome was learning that these efforts mattered. I was later informed that Sen. Kennedy is co-sponsoring the ECAPS bill for the first time. This experience changed how I see my role as a future pharmacist and made me more aware of the responsibility student pharmacists have to speak up for patients and the profession.
I am grateful to APhA leadership and staff for their preparation and mentorship, and to the University of Pittsburgh for the opportunity to participate in this experience. It reinforced the value of collaboration in preparing student pharmacists to engage in advocacy with confidence and purpose.