Give Your Legislators a First Hand Look at Independent Pharmacy
Congress recently adjourned for its annual August recess. During this five week period, members of Congress will be spending much time at home, touring the state or district and listening to constituents.
Several pharmacists have already taken advantage of this opportunity to host their Representative in their pharmacies. For example, Strawberry Hills Pharmacy in Paducah, Kentucky recently hosted Congressman Ed Whitfield, a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over most pharmacy related legislation. Prior to visiting Strawberry Hills Pharmacy, Congressman Whitfield had already co-sponsored two pieces of important legislation: H.R. 793, the Ensuring Seniors Access to Local Pharmacies Act and H.R. 592, the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act. This visit provided an opportunity for the pharmacy owner to thank him for his leadership and discuss issues of importance. The visit even received local press coverage from the Paducah Sun (login required).
Additionally, Congressman Gary Palmer recently visited Snider's Discount Pharmacy in Chelsea, Alabama. Prior to his visit, Congressman Palmer had already supported H.R. 592. His visit to Snider's Discount Pharmacy provided an opportunity for those in attendance to thank him for his support for this bill, but also urge him to support H.R. 793 and H.R. 244, the MAC Transparency Act.
These are just two examples of Congressional pharmacy visits with many others already scheduled throughout the August recess. Independent pharmacists interested in hosting a visit, or otherwise scheduling a meeting in their district with their member of Congress can find tips for doing so here and a sample invite letter that can be personalizedhere, or they can contact grassroots@ncpanet.org for assistance from NCPA.
For those who are unable to meet with their legislators face to face, there are many other ways to make your voice heard. Please click here to visit NCPA's Legislative Action Center where you can express support for legislative priorities through email or look up the office contact information for your legislators. You can also visit NCPA's Pharmacy Choice webpage to utilize the resources available in the Grassroots Toolkit.
The August Congressional recess is an opportune time to make your voice heard, and NCPA's advocacy resources make it easy to do so.