NACDS Lauds Rep. Guthrie; Pharmacy's White Coats Take Capitol Hill

PRESS RELEASE

Washington, D.C. — More than 350 pharmacy advocates from 44 states met with Members of Congress during the seventh annual NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill today. Pharmacy advocates conducted more than 450 meetings with Members of Congress, meeting with every member of Congress who serves on a Congressional healthcare committee, and with every member of Congress who was newly elected in November 2014.

Prior to heading out to their meetings today, NACDS presented its Congressional Leadership Award to House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Vice Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY). NACDS recognized Guthrie for his sponsorship of legislation — both in this Congress (H.R. 592) and the last Congress (H.R. 4190) – that enables Medicare beneficiaries to access pharmacist-provided patient care services.

“Living up to its name, NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill is highly impactful,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. “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 on Capitol Hill program included prominent speakers. Amy Walter, national editor of The Cook Political Report, delivered the keynote address during the Welcome Dinner on Wednesday evening, providing timely insights on the current political landscape and predictions leading up to the Presidential Election in 2016.

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

U.S. Senator John Tester (D-MT) and U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) also submitted official comments to the Congressional Record in support of their constituents and community pharmacy in lead-up to NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill.

Further emphasizing the pharmacy’s reach in local communities - including every congressional district - a print ad was published today in the influential Capitol Hill publication Politico. The ad illustrated pharmacy’s role in improving patient health, and urged Members of Congress to conduct a pharmacy tour in their congressional districts.

In addition, an ad sponsored by the Patient Access to Pharmacists’ Care Coalition (PAPCC) — of which NACDS is a member – was published today in key Capitol Hill publications – including The Hill, National Journal, Politico and Roll Call. The ad urges lawmakers to support the bipartisan bill the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act. PAPCC is comprised of organizations representing patients, pharmacists, and pharmacies, as well as other interested stakeholders.