Dear Colleague,
The signs have (mostly) been taken down. The commercials have (finally) stopped. For most of America, another political season is over.
But here at NCPA, the political season never really ends. We focus on policymakers every day. Not just those in Washington, but those in statehouses across the country as well. Wherever policy is made that concerns independent pharmacy, patient care and choice, and anything that affects our members, we're there.
Through the election season, NCPA strategically examined what might happen in a Biden administration. We looked at what to expect in a second Trump administration. We're bipartisan in all ways but one: NCPA always supports individuals who support community pharmacy and small business owners, regardless of party affiliation.
We plan for all outcomes. We'll have to wait for the results of the Georgia Senate runoffs in January to know who will hold the majority in the Senate. That balance of power will inform our advocacy efforts for a couple of years, at least. The makeup of the Senate will make a difference in how fast health care legislation may move — if it moves at all.
On Monday, Congress began its post-election lame-duck session. It's still anyone's guess what will happen. Both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have signaled interest in considering new economic and health care relief measures to address the coronavirus pandemic, but both sides have discussed the issue on and off for six months without consensus or action. And there's a government funding deadline looming on Dec. 11; if a new spending deal isn't reached, we'll face another government shutdown. In Washington, there's always something going on, even when nothing is going on.
But even when nothing is going on, we still have a story to tell and issues to discuss. Maybe legislators don't understand all the nuance of pharmacy issues, but they certainly can relate to pharmacists as small business owners, essential members of their communities, employers, and health care providers who take care of people, help them save money on medications, and lead healthier lives. In 2020, we've had the chance to tell the independent pharmacy story more than ever. The pandemic challenged independent pharmacy, and we met the challenge with flying colors. We were essential businesses from the beginning, opening our doors when businesses all around us were shuttered. We donned masks, made home and curbside deliveries, and came up with new ways to help patients. Our communities needed us, and we were there for them. We need to tell the independent pharmacy story whenever we get the chance.
And even though politicians sometimes act like it is, Washington isn't the center of the universe. It never hurts to look closer to home. If you aren't well acquainted with your state and local legislators, you should be.
These office holders are, in some ways, like independent pharmacies in that they are the first to feel the impact of policy changes and know the pulse on the street better than their D.C. counterparts.
With the 2020 election in the rearview mirror, remember that with any election, there are newly elected officials who may think all pharmacies — big box or independents — are all the same. They need to hear how your business makes a difference in the health of the community and the health of the local economy. No one is better equipped to tell that story than an NCPA member. If they've been reelected, tell them the story again so they don't forget it. Invite them to your pharmacy for a visit – socially distanced, of course — so they can see up close the patient care "magic" that happens behind the counter. And ask NCPA for help in arranging it. You're there for your community, and we're here for you.
Best,
Douglas Hoey, Pharmacist, MBA
NCPA CEO
