Until social distancing measures are phased out, store owners who want to make a difference in independent pharmacy can and should leverage technology to connect with legislators virtually.
The concerns of independent community pharmacies and their patients matter to elected officials on a number of levels, some of which have taken on new significance during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
First and foremost, pharmacists are health care subject matter experts who know the intricacies of their industry and the regulations that govern what they do. On the other hand, only one pharmacist currently serves in Congress and onlya few dozen serve in state legislaturesacross the country. Additionally, pharmacy owners run small businesses that employ people in legislators' home districts and states. Community pharmacies also serve constituents of elected officials, helping patients get the care they need so they can lead healthier lives. A large proportion of pharmacy patients are Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries, which ties back to federal and state reimbursement issues.
Just as it takes time and effort for you to build relationships with the people in your community, it also requires effort to educate your elected officials. One of the most effective ways to get involved with independent pharmacy advocacy is by establishing meaningful two-way communication with legislators who support independent pharmacy policies, particularly in areas such as recognition of pharmacists as reimbursable providers and front-line responders. This has become a critical issue in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as the demand for accessible testing and vaccinations is at its peak.
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