Coalition launches media initiative to educate public on role of pharmacists

The Patient Access to Pharmacists’ Care Coalition (PAPCC), a group of more than 24 organizations representing patients, pharmacies, pharmacists and other stakeholders, announced on Wednesday the launch of an expanded media initiative.

The new initiative promotes the role that pharmacists can play in addressing the challenges faced by seniors with insufficient access to healthcare services in medically underserved communities nationwide.

“As our nation looks for opportunities to provide care for medically underserved Medicare beneficiaries, pharmacists stand ready to help fill the gap in care by providing patients access to healthcare services such as health tests, immunizations and the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease,” Vince Ventimiglia, president of Leavitt Partners Collaborative Advocates and advisor to PAPCC, said.

As part of the media initiative, PAPCC will run print and digital advertising in media outlets over the course of the congressional calendar. The “Pharmacists Care, in more ways than you may know” ad is the first in a series and begins to educate readers about the role pharmacists are able to play in providing healthcare.

Proposed legislation, the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act, would provide Medicare beneficiaries access to pharmacist-provided patient care services.

“Members of Congress and their staff know the benefit of having pharmacists as part of the healthcare team,” Ventimiglia said. “Through this initiative, we intend to raise awareness about how pharmacists can help seniors in areas of the country where access to care can be challenging.”