September is an important month for ASHP advocacy efforts. Did you know that policy week takes place in September every year? This year policy week took place September 15-19. Each year, this event paves the way for changes to occur in policy and in practice.
In 2012, I was able to participate as the student member of the Council on Therapeutics. The first few days allowed members to discuss topics that were controversial in practice. We were able to help shape ASHP statements and recommendations for standards of practice for the profession. The discussions and debates that took place throughout the week were compelling. I enjoyed listening in on what the practitioners around me had to say about each of these issues. Having pharmacists from across the country share their points of view really allowed me a better understanding of pharmacy practices from coast to coast. As a student, I felt really lucky to have the chance to participate in these discussions as well and have my voice heard. Having the chance to play a role in shaping those ASHP policies and practice statements was very exciting.
For me, the most exciting part of the week was lobbying for legislation on drug shortages on Capitol Hill at the end of policy week in 2012. I had so much fun working with pharmacists from all across my state to discuss this critically important issue with our legislators. Seeing legislators respond to our efforts was great, too! For example, Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois (my home state) came to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago following our session to visit the pharmacy department and observe practice. I am personally a history and government nerd, and I loved working in Washington D.C. on health care legislation.
I encourage you all to check out information on this important week. It was a really cool experience for me, and I hope to be able to participate as a practitioner again in the future. I loved it! If you’re interested in getting involved, check out this link to learn more!
http://www.ashp.org/menu/AboutUs/OurLeadership/CouncilsCommitteesandAdvisoryBodies.aspx