APhA at its (grass)roots
Growing up, my parents always listened to NPR in the car, whether I liked it or not. Frequently, the evening news was on in the background during dinner. These habits wore off on me over time and followed me to college. While there, I tried to stay informed about what was happening in the world and I started to think, “Hey, I have opinions about some of this. Maybe I should do something about it.” I also realized that if I wanted to take action, then others probably did as well, and that our voices together would be stronger than mine alone.
This was the beginning of my involvement in advocacy work. Today, I still believe in the importance of political participation. I am proud to be a part of the team at APhA, where we work daily to educate legislators about the important services pharmacists can provide to their patients.
Your voice matters
Legislators are more likely to respond to the concerns of their constituents, the individuals who live and work in the boundaries of their state or district. Therefore, constituents have the power to influence the voting of their federal representatives through their advocacy efforts, because these federal representatives are accountable to them. This is why grassroots advocacy works!
In addition, representatives in Washington, DC, cannot be experts on everything. They have staff, but they rely on their constituents to stay informed about public opinion and better understand the nuances of the issues they are voting on. This is especially true when it comes to the complicated issue of health care and medicine. APhA members must make sure members of Congress understand the value and the services that pharmacists provide so they can represent the profession accurately and fully.
Successful advocacy
Recently, APhA members have shared some advocacy success stories from their experiences visiting with their representatives on Capitol Hill and by hosting legislators at their pharmacies. In July, more than 200 student pharmacists participated in the APhA–ASP Summer Leadership Institute and met with members of Congress and their aides in Washington, DC.
A few months later, in September, the APhA Board of Trustees and state pharmacy association executives also conducted meetings on Capitol Hill. Their meetings, and that of APhA–ASP members, helped connect the work of APhA Government Affairs staff with real life stories and experiences from these legislators’ constituents. As a direct result of their advocacy efforts, APhA’s bills on provider status (S. 109 and H.R. 592) gained an additional 18 co-sponsors. There are real and tangible results to advocating.
However, you don’t have to come to Washington, DC, to advocate. Like APhA members Justin Kirby, Kelli Welter, Kara Provence, Bryan Keen, and Michael Blaire, you can invite your federal legislators to visit your pharmacy, pharmacy school, or other practice site. These 30- to 60-minute tours allow you to demonstrate all that you do as a pharmacist beyond dispensing medication and give your federal representatives first-hand understanding of the important services you provide to patients. See more information on how to schedule and host a visit at www.PharmacistsProvideCare.com/Guide-Scheduling-Local-Pharmacy-Visit.&n…;
The APhA–PAC
The APhA Political Action Committee (APhA–PAC) is the primary vehicle through which pharmacists can promote their federal policy goals because PACs are a well-established, safe mechanism for financially supporting federal candidates. The APhA–PAC’s mission is to assist candidates for federal office who have demonstrated support for pharmacy issues and recognize the value of pharmacists in the health care system. The APhA–PAC allows us to gain access to, develop relationships with, and educate key policy makers about our concerns and priorities.
APhA Government Affairs team members frequently attend events on behalf of APhA–PAC. These fundraisers provide important opportunities to discuss key issues with the legislators in a relaxed setting and facilitate a more focused discussion about pharmacy issues.
It is only because of APhA members’ individual contributions to the PAC that we are able to pool our funds to support those members of Congress who are champions for pharmacy issues.
You can take these two easy steps to participate in APhA–PAC and our grassroots advocacy campaign.
- Send a letter to your member of Congress and senators, advocating for provider status. Go to www.PharmacistsProvideCare.com and click “Take Action.”
- Make a $15 contribution to APhA–PAC today. Text “Action” to 50155 and follow the prompts in the reply text.
It only takes a moment and will ensure your voice joins those of other APhA members in advancing our shared goals!
Mary-Ryan Douglass is APhA Associate Director of Grassroots Advocacy & PAC in Washington, DC.