By Dirk White, RPh, Executive Vice President, Legislative Affairs, WSPC
As you may recall, this was how Georgia Congressman Doug Collins ended his keynote speech at ThoughtSpot this year. It was a great reminder of the importance of political action.
In my home state, many elections have been won or lost on a single vote, highlighting how critical it is to get out and vote in your state and federal elections this year. If I didn’t vote in an election and my candidate lost by such a small margin, I know how I would feel. Whether on the city, state, or federal level, I always remind patients when it is Election Day and encourage them to exercise their constitutional right to vote. The sheer number of patients who have forgotten it is an Election Day never ceases to amaze me, and many are very thankful for the reminder to vote. We also remind our team to get out and vote so they can help make a difference in the outcome of an election. The next time you see an elected official, wouldn’t you like to be able to say, “I am your constituent and I always vote?” If by chance you have donated money to his or her campaign, then you are sure to get his or her attention.
Whether on the city, state, or federal level, I always remind patients when it is Election Day and encourage them to exercise their constitutional right to vote.Part of the ABC showroom booth at ThoughtSpot was dedicated to legislative advocacy. They were asking people to send letters to Congress asking them to co-sponsor pending bills in the House and the Senate dealing with DIR fees, PBMs, and provider status.
The first bill you can ask your Representative to co-sponsor is the PHAIR Pricing Act of 2018 (HR 5958) that was introduced by Rep Doug Collins earlier this year. You can send an invitation to your Senators or Representative to visit your store during the next congressional home break. Check out the website at www.ourindependentvoice.com, then click on the Take Action tab in the top right. Use the premade letters, or modify them, and forward them along to your legislators today.
If you feel you are losing control of your profession and wish you could do something about it, it is time to get out and vote. Get to know your elected government representatives. Let them know what is happing to you, your profession, and your patients. Tell them how government and industry overreach has compromised a pharmacist’s ability to care for a patient’s health and well-being. Get mad, get active, and get agitated enough to yell out …
NOT ON MY WATCH … over and over again!
