Pharmacy advocates meet with Congress at NACDS event

More than 359 pharmacy advocates from 44 different states met with members of Congress last week during the seventh annual NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill.

At the event, pharmacy advocates conducted more than 450 meetings with Congress members, including 95 percent of the members who serve on congressional committees with jurisdiction on healthcare issues.

“Living up to its name, NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill is highly impactful,” NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson said. “Decisions on policies made in Washington influence patient care in pharmacies everyday across the nation. This annual event is an important opportunity for pharmacy advocates to engage directly with lawmakers on pro-patient, pro-pharmacy policies, and to further reinforce the recognition by lawmakers of the evolving role of pharmacy in patient care.”

This year’s NACDS RxIMPACT Day featured prominent speakers, including Amy Walter, the national editor of “The Cook Political Report.” Walter delivered the keynote address during the welcome dinner and gave insight on the current political landscape.

On the day of the event, an ad was published in the Capitol Hill publication Politico to further emphasize the pharmacy’s reach in communities.

“Pharmacists are uniquely positioned in their expanded roles in the healthcare delivery system to help meet the healthcare needs of all Americans,” Anderson said. “Pharmacy has an important part to play -- working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and providers -- in providing patient care for those in need.”