The Power of Our Voice: Why Pharmacists Must Advocate for Our Profession

As pharmacists, we are often called the most accessible health care providers. We stand at the intersection of clinical care, public health, and community support, yet our voices are too often absent in shaping the policies that directly impact our work and patients. Political advocacy is no longer optional—it is an imperative for the future of pharmacy.

The challenges facing our profession are mounting. From the complexities of pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform to legislative threats that could undermine our scope of practice, our work environment is under siege. But these challenges also bring opportunities. By stepping into the advocacy arena, we can transform our frustrations into meaningful change.

People advocating for pharmacy | Image credit: © JK_kyoto | stock.adobe.com

Why Advocacy Matters

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are uniquely positioned to influence health care policy. Every day, we see the gaps in the system—patients unable to afford life-saving medications, independent pharmacies struggling under the weight of PBM clawbacks, and a regulatory environment that too often prioritizes profit over patient care.

But awareness alone is not enough. Advocacy ensures that policymakers understand the realities on the ground. If we fail to speak up, decisions about our profession will be made without our input—often by individuals who lack the expertise and perspective we bring to the table.

The Impact of PBM Reform Advocacy

One of the most pressing issues in pharmacy today is the need for PBM reform. PBMs dictate medication pricing, reimbursement, and access, often with little transparency. Their unchecked power has contributed to rising health care costs, jeopardized patient care, and created an untenable environment for independent pharmacies.

When pharmacists and pharmacy technicians across the country rallied for PBM reform earlier this year, we showed the power of collective action. By lobbying legislators, sharing real-world data, and telling patient stories, we began to push for fairer practices. Though the road to reform is long, this progress demonstrates what is possible when we unite behind a common cause.

Staying Vigilant in Advocacy

Legislation impacting pharmacy isn’t always on the national stage. Earlier this year in Ohio, House Bill (HB) 73 sought to restrict pharmacists' scope of practice and require that pharmacists dispense potentially harmful treatments. Advocacy efforts—ranging from letter-writing campaigns to collaboration with professional organizations to in-person testimony—helped challenge this harmful legislation.

Although HB 73 was a state-specific issue, it serves as a cautionary tale: harmful policies can arise anywhere, and vigilance is essential.

Pharmacists across the nation must be proactive in monitoring legislation at both state and federal levels.

How You Can Get Involved

Political advocacy can seem daunting, especially if you’ve never participated before. However, there are practical steps every pharmacist and technician can take to get involved:

1. Stay Informed: Follow legislative updates from professional organizations such as the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) or your state pharmacy association. Knowledge is power, and staying updated allows you to act quickly when issues arise.
2. Build Relationships with Lawmakers: Politicians need to hear from us—not just when a crisis arises, but consistently. Attend town halls, introduce yourself to your representatives, and explain how proposed legislation impacts your patients and your work.
3. Leverage Your Network: Advocacy is a team effort. Engage your colleagues, pharmacy students, and even patients to join in writing letters, making phone calls, or attending rallies. The more voices we bring to the table, the louder our message becomes.
4. Share Your Story: Personal experiences resonate with policymakers. Whether it’s a patient who struggled to afford their medication due to PBM practices or a story of innovation in pharmacy care, your testimony can shape legislation.
5. Join Professional Organizations: Organizations such as APhA, the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), and others provide resources, training, and advocacy opportunities tailored to pharmacy professionals.

Inspiring Change Beyond Policy

Advocacy isn’t just about fighting legislative battles; it’s about inspiring a cultural shift in how pharmacists view their role in health care. We are not just dispensers of medication—we are advocates for patient health, community well-being, and the sustainability of our profession.

When we engage in advocacy, we elevate pharmacy from a profession often taken for granted to one recognized as indispensable to health care innovation. Advocacy allows us to share the stories behind the statistics—how we’ve helped patients overcome barriers to care, collaborated with other providers to manage chronic diseases, or navigated the complex reimbursement landscape to ensure patients received life-saving treatments. These stories not only inform policy but also shape public perception of the vital role pharmacists play in improving health outcomes.

Moreover, advocacy empowers us to reclaim our narrative. For too long, others have defined what pharmacy is and what it can be. By speaking up, we ensure that the next generation of pharmacists inherits a profession that is respected, valued, and positioned for growth.

It’s not just about preserving the status quo—it’s about building a future where pharmacists are seen as leaders in health care policy, patient care, and innovation.

Advocacy also has a profound impact on professional morale. Pharmacy is a demanding profession, and burnout is a significant issue. Yet, when we see tangible results from our efforts—such as the passage of legislation that benefits patients or the rejection of harmful policies—it reignites our passion for the work we do. It reminds us that our contributions go beyond the walls of our pharmacies and can ripple out to create meaningful, lasting change.

Finally, advocacy serves as an inspiration for others to get involved. When pharmacy students and early-career professionals see their mentors actively participating in shaping the future of the profession, it encourages them to do the same. This creates a ripple effect, ensuring that the culture of advocacy becomes ingrained in our profession for generations to come.

By stepping beyond the dispensing counter and into the advocacy arena, we don’t just shape policies; we shape the future of pharmacy itself. Together, we can create a health care system that values and prioritizes the contributions of pharmacists—not as an afterthought, but as an essential pillar of patient care.

A Call to Action

The time for political apathy is over. Whether it’s fighting for PBM reform, opposing harmful state or federal legislation, or championing innovative pharmacy practices, our profession depends on our willingness to act.

The challenges are significant, but so is our potential to make a difference. By engaging in advocacy, we affirm our commitment to patients, to each other, and to the future of pharmacy. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our profession thrives.