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Key Communications and Advocacy Activities Since the Introduction of HR 7213 in Late March
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MEDIA ENGAGEMENT
The Chicago Sun-Times, The Capital Times and the Charleston Gazette Mail recently published opinion pieces from pharmacists in Illinois, Wisconsin and West Virginia, respectively, on the need for federal legislation (HR 7213) to help ensure patient access to pandemic-related, pharmacist care:
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Congress should protect access to health care at pharmacies
“In passing HR 7213, Congress can demonstrate leadership to provide equitable care for patients, combat COVID-19, and prepare for the public health threats of tomorrow.”
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Opinion: Don't take away pharmacists' ability to provide care
“I commend Rep. Ron Kind for introducing HR 7213, legislation to ensure communities in Wisconsin can continue to rely on pharmacists by reimbursing under Medicare Part B for these essential services: tests, vaccines and treatment for COVID-19 and other related conditions, such as influenza and strep throat. I urge other members of Congress to support this legislation, which would improve patients' lives.”
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Opinion: Pharmacists in rural areas need help
"I urge Congress to support HR 7213, to protect our communities, alleviate gaps in care and advance health equity."
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Additionally, an opinion piece by Kevin Ban, chief medical officer of Walgreens, and Jenni Zilka, president of Good Neighbor Pharmacy, urges enactment of HR 7213, the pharmacist provider status bill for which the Future of Pharmacy Care Coalition is advocating:
Patients Lose if We Don’t Continue to Expand Pharmacy-Based Clinical Care in the U.S.
“We should continue to evolve the model of pharmacy, allowing it to serve as a meaningful extension of our public health system and as an essential access point for those who need care the most. Otherwise, patients will ultimately lose.”
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THIRD PARTY ENGAGEMENT
More than 160 organizations have voiced support for HR 7213.
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Also, to date, 54 organizations representing patients, senior and rural and underserved communities have signed a letter of support for HR 7213. The National Black Nurses Association, National Hispanic Medical Association and American Red Cross are among those groups supporting the legislation.
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On May 19, 31 hospitals and health systems delivered a letter to Congress, expressing “deep support” for HR 7213 and the role the legislation would play in alleviating gaps in patient care and advancing health equity.
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The NACDS RxIMPACT advocacy program inspired advocates to contact 76% of the U.S. House of Representatives through a digital grassroots letter-writing campaign, urging co-sponsorship of HR 7213.
Additionally, the Future of Pharmacy Care Coalition issued a branded congressional email notification urging members of the U.S. House of Representatives to co-sponsor the bill – which has generated 655 total opens (19.5% open rate) and 16 total clicks among congressional staff.
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Since the introduction of HR 7213, NACDS, the Future of Pharmacy Care Coalition and other supportive patient and pharmacy advocates have taken to social media to communicate important updates related to the bill and bill co-sponsors and to encourage key Members of Congress to co-sponsor the legislation.
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