Sample Format for Letter to Congress

Date

(For local offices, please consult the Legislative Action Center on the APhA website (www.aphanet.org) or your local phone book.)

Introduce yourself briefly and identify the topic of your communication. Be as specific as possible and if writing about a specific piece of legislation use the bill number and/or title if you know them.

For example: My name is Jane/Joe Jones, and I am a constituent and a student pharmacist at the University of ___________ in Anytown, USA. I am writing today to express my concerns regarding a Medicare drug benefit/offer support for S.1234, the Pharmacy Act/invite you to visit my pharmacy/etc.

At the University of ________________, I am learning how to help patients manage their medication therapy and various disease states. As a pharmacist, I will work with my patients’ other health care providers to ensure that they are taking the appropriate medication. On a daily basis, pharmacists consult with patients and physicians regarding drug therapy. It is important to recognize the vital role that pharmacists play in patient care and drug therapy management.

Be specific about the topic/issue about which you are writing and explain your position using your own words to describe how the legislation will affect you and/or your ability to provide patient care.

For example: I have several concerns with S.1234, the Pharmacy Act. [List your concerns…]

If you are inviting the legislator to visit your school or pharmacy, explain what types of services you provide and ask the legislator to stop by to witness the services first hand. You might want to ask him or her to visit on a day that you are doing flu shots or a diabetes or asthma screening program or other event.

For example: While I recognize that you have many time commitments, I would like to extend an invitation to you to visit my pharmacy school should you have time available when you are home during the upcoming/current Congressional recess. I am confident that by witnessing the advanced level of patient care provided by pharmacists and pharmacy students, you will agree that these types of services should be included in any Medicare drug benefit legislation.

Ask for a response. Urge the legislator to oppose or support a specific piece of legislation or whatever action you would like to be taken. Request, but don’t demand, a reply to your letter.

Close by thanking him/her for their consideration. Make sure you include your name, address and contact information.

Sincerely,

Joe Jones, 20__ PharmD candidate
University of ________________
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345-6789
Daytime phone: 123/456-7890, Email address: abc@def.com