By Amy Shank, PCCA Director of Government Relations

When we move past the pandemic and you feel ready, you should consider hosting your member of Congress for an in-person visit at your pharmacy. While technology has been instrumental in keeping us connected during this global event, face-to-face meetings with lawmakers are critical for enriching the advocacy process, and legislators are eager to see the important issues facing their districts and constituents firsthand.

Host a Pharmacy Visit

Having your elected official make an on-site visit is one of the most influential things you can do to build a relationship with those directly impacting policies that affect your practice and your patients’ access to personalized medicine. By personally showing your lawmakers the important work you do and the ways in which you serve your community, you can make a lasting impression. With the pandemic placing greater emphasis on the vital role that compounding pharmacies play in the health care system, it’s a perfect time to take this opportunity to shine.

PCCA has been educating members of Congress on compounding for over 30 years, and we’ve seen how these visits help to convey the impact of federal policies on our industry. While meetings held in Washington, D.C., provide constituents the opportunity to connect on issues, pharmacy visits are the most effective way to directly involve and gain support from lawmakers. In the past, most members of Congress who have participated in pharmacy visits have become compounding’s biggest champions.

PCCA member Gopesh Patel, RPh, hosts Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, D-NY, in his pharmacy to discuss the role pharmacy compounding plays in health care.

If a Pharmacy Visit Isn’t Possible

Although pharmacy visits are the gold standard for compounding advocacy, they may not always be feasible. Additional ways to speak to your senator or representative are to request a meeting at their state or district office near you, or to participate in a town hall meeting to inform them of the importance of compounding. Each pharmacy has a unique story to tell, and it should be valued as your most essential instrument in engaging lawmakers. Developing and maintaining relationships with your policymakers at home is critical to fostering pro-compounding attitudes in Washington, D.C., and that can help your practice and your patients.

Rep. Roger Williams, R-TX, third from left, visits Wimberley Pharmacy, owned by PCCA member John Anderson, RPh, third from right.

What to Do Now

During the summer, we recommend that you take advantage of district work periods to educate your members of Congress on compounding issues. Extended district visits in June, July and August give you the perfect opportunity to discuss the important role of compounding in patients’ lives. However, there are other potential opportunities outside of summer to host lawmakers in your pharmacy. Regardless, it’s best to reach out to their state or district office and start planning months ahead of the visit.

PCCA members can contact our Public Affairs team for assistance with this process. We would be pleased to help you make a great impression on your members of Congress.

Also on The PCCA Blog: Pharmacists Connecting with Lawmakers in Support of Compounding

Amy Shank, PCCA’s Director of Government Relations, previously served as Vice President of Capitol Hill Consulting Group, where she advised pharmacy, pharmaceutical and university clients on federal legislative priorities. Amy also has over 10 years of experience in the United States Senate. She was the Director of Oversight and Investigations for the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. She was also a senior policy advisor to the Senate HELP Committee. Amy was a senior analyst for the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, former Senator Don Nickles, R-OK, and began her legislative career in his Republican Whip office as a policy advisor.