During this time of transformation in our healthcare system, there are several prevailing issues that affect the profession of pharmacy. As a student these issues are especially important to me since they directly influence my future practice. For this reason, I am hugely motivated to support my pharmacy community every chance I can. My invitation to NACDS RxIMPACT Day was a particularly amazing opportunity, and one I knew I couldn’t pass up. I saw this as the perfect avenue to advocate for pharmacy on a national level, a stage I’d yet to experience.
A novice to the event, I was unsure of exactly what to expect during my time in Washington, D.C. However, NACDS and its leadership did an excellent job of efficiently preparing me for all I would encounter. I was very impressed by the organization and success of the two-day agenda. The first day Iparticipated in the student programming, which I found enormously insightful and beneficial. During this time I was educated on the policymaking process, effective communication, and relevant pharmacy issues prior to official meetings.
The following day I convened with my Texas team and shortly afterwards began the journey to Capitol Hill. I was excited to see our day comprised of nine meetings. The schedule included meetings with Texas Representatives Michael Burgess, Pete Sessions, Jeb Hensarling, Louie Gohmert, Sam Johnson, Joe Barton, Marc Veasey, Kay Granger, and John Ratcliffe. During these meetings we discussed the following: H.R. 592/ S. 314, which allows Medicare Part B to utilize pharmacists as providers, the FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which reduces TRICARE costs and expandsprescription access, as well as H.R. 793/S. 1190, which ensures Medicare Part D access and transparency.
Provider status is of significant importance to me as a Texas resident, and an issue I made certain to discuss with my representatives. The medically underserved population makes up a substantial part of Texas, and continues to grow with physician shortages and expansion of health insurance coverage. To support this population the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy (UTCOP) created Project Collaborate, a student-run initiative that provides free health screenings. As a volunteer at these events, I serve patients that commonly represent populations with limited financial resources, lack of insurance coverage, and language barriers that prevent them from utilizing health services. Oftentimes these screenings are patients’ only healthcare contact. It is exceptionally upsetting to witness those affected by such deficiencies when my profession is fully qualified to provide the services they so desperately need. However, the opportunity to share my story with Texas representatives gave me sense of hope for the future.
The most rewarding moment of this experience came via an email sent by one of my Congressman’s assistants. It stated that after meeting with my team the Congressman had decided to cosponsor both H.R. 592 and H.R. 793. This email is proof that our work truly made an impact on the pharmacy community in Texas. Knowing this gives me immense pride, and inspiration for the continuation of myefforts. Furthermore, I urge pharmacy students and practitioners alike to get out there and advocate. You never know the impact you may have!
