Each year, state and federal legislators contemplate changes that could have lasting repercussions for the independent pharmacy industry. Building personal relationships with legislators and helping patients understand the issues affecting community and independent pharmacy are excellent ways to help advocate for your business and the entire industry.
It is one of the qualities that makes a Health Mart stand out for Pharmacy of the Year consideration. This year’s finalists have shared some of the ways they advocate for independent pharmacy as well as their communities.
“There are so many issues now with pharmacy, like access to medications. We fortunately have a close relationship with David Standridge, our state representative. He is always willing to listen to us and try to help us with our issues. So, I contacted him about the Fair Meds Act,” said Jennifer Metcalf, RPh, owner of Hayden Pharmacy and Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year Finalist. “He helped us launch a campaign to help us get the word out and get support from the community.”
With access to loyal patients, the community pharmacy can be one of the best places to get a grassroots campaign rolling. But sometimes it is just about making your voice heard.
“We use the Advocacy Center that Health Mart provides for us. It gives me a chance to send my support for legislation that will help our industry. It makes it fast and easy,” said Tim Dreier, co-owner of Dreier Pharmacy and Gift Shoppe and Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year Finalist.
Recently, Creswell Pharmacy, a Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year Finalist, hosted their state senator, Ron Wyden, to speak about PBM reform at one of their community gatherings in their store.
“We have advocated for state regulation for PBM (HB 4149) since it was in its early conception. Getting it passed will be a big help to keep our pharmacy doors open and to help our patients access the medications they need,“ said Brian Marr, co-owner Cresswell.