Law and policy dramatically shape the practice of pharmacy. It is imperative that student pharmacists advocate for our profession to ensure our patients receive our services and the public recognizes our value. Advocacy can be as simple as voting or conducting a letter-writing campaign, planning a health fair at your state capital or meeting legislators face-to-face and can make a profound impact in the profession.

Increasing participation in grassroots advocacy can be challenging. Appoint a SPAN Liaison to educate your chapter on the legislative process and how to contact and effectively communicate with legislators. Keeping chapter members up-to-date on current issues can generate interest in advocacy and empower students to get involved. Informed and effective communication is a powerful tool we can develop as student pharmacists to become successful advocates for the profession. Our unique position as student pharmacists allows us to bring energy and enthusiasm to the grassroots advocacy movement for our profession. Get involved and help shape our professional future!

› APhA Legislative Action Center: Information about your legislators and current issues

› APhA-ASP SPAN Liaison Contact Information Form

› APhA-ASP Advocacy Powerpoint Presentation

› Participation in the Election Process

› APhA-ASP OneVote campaign

› Communicating with Legislators

› Planning a Chapter Legislative Information Day for your Chapter

› Planning a Pharmacy Legislative Day at your State Capitol

› Health Fair Provides Forum for UAMS' Advocacy (May/June 2005)

› Medicare Resources

› FAQs and Resources for Lower Cost Medications