Nearly 280 student pharmacists, faculty members, and pharmacists from all seven colleges of pharmacy gathered in Columbus for OPA’s 2016 Student Legislative Day, February 23. In total, 96 meetings took place between students and legislators.
After a huge year of successes for pharmacy, it is obvious that advocacy is key in protecting the profession. During the morning session, attendees were given time to reflect on the accomplishments of OPA’s 2014 -2015 legislative efforts. From pharmacy consult agreement expansion, naloxone dispensing, PBM reform, to extending immunization authority, Ohio has become a national leader in expanding pharmacy services. OPA’s legislative team of Ernie Boyd, Antonio Ciaccia, and Michelle Fitzgibbon educated the students on how to speak with legislators on current pharmacy issues.
Rep. Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City), Rep. Sarah LaTourette (R-Bainbridge Township), and Sen. Dave Burke (R-Marysville) addressed the group on pharmacy issues and the different legislative efforts they supported.
No matter where you practice, pharmacists must advocate for the profession. This event provided students with tools to communicate and build relationships with lawmakers. Hundreds of students were empowered by this event to be life-long advocates for pharmacy