NCPA APhA-ASP 2013 Legislative Letter Writing Campaign
by Kendra Whalen
On April 17, 2013, the UW School of Pharmacy’s NCPA chapter and APhA-ASP chapter co-sponsored the first legislative letter writing campaign in a push to gain recognition of pharmacists as providers. The organizations hope the personal appeals from voting constituents will encourage the legislature to finally recognize pharmacists and the skilled, patient-care services they provide.
As a national goal in both professional organizations, the student chapters were extremely excited about this activity. Together, the chapters wrote a letter asking patients to write their senators and share a story illustrating the impact a pharmacist has made on their healthcare. About 30 students participated, bringing addresses of family and friends to whom they sent letters and shared pizza and fun while advocating for their profession. In total, 178 letters were sent out to patients.
The direct outcomes of this event cannot be known, but steps for professional recognition are needed, and it has been great seeing student interest in this important issue.