Brooke Kulusich is a final-year PharmD candidate at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and was the 2021–22 APhA–ASP Speaker of the House.
At the 2022 APhA–ASP House of Delegates, student pharmacists celebrated the results of another successful Back the PAC campaign. This exciting annual competition challenges chapters across the nation to raise funds for the APhA Political Action Committee (APhA–PAC), a fund that supports pro-pharmacy candidates for federal office and educates student pharmacists on the importance of active political engagement.
Each APhA–ASP Chapter is assigned a division based on its size: AAA, AA, or A. One chapter is selected as the divisional winner based on the average contribution to the APhA–PAC per student pharmacist member.
Create a bond
The Union University College of Pharmacy (UUCOP) took the lead for Division AAA, averaging a donation of $10.49 per student pharmacist. Led by UUCOP Chapter Policy Vice President Taliesha Hart, these student pharmacists hosted Anthony Pudlo, PharmD, executive director of the Tennessee Pharmacists Association, for a lecture on political engagement paired with a dessert bar. Additionally, UUCOP student pharmacists could opt to take a break from their enforced dress code policy by donating $5 to participate in a pajama day.
When asked about her chapter’s Back the PAC success, Taliesha has a simple piece of advice: make it fun! “Host events that cater to your students and faculty that they will enjoy. Find ways to give everyone a break from always thinking about work or school,” she said. For example, UUCOP hosted a fashion show in which student pharmacists could dress as faculty members and bid on their favorites. “Find ways to create a bond and you will have the utmost success,” Taliesha added.
Unique ways to advocate
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Pharmacy landed their victory as the Division AA winner through various creative initiatives. Through their year-long policy pin fundraiser, the chapter sold 42 lapel pins, totaling $210 in sales. Championed by UAMS Chapter Policy Vice President Lindsey Worthington, the college of pharmacy also launched a new fundraiser called Prank a Professor in which student pharmacists contributed funds to submit a cat-themed photo to decorate their dog-loving professor’s office (see above photo of Eddie Dunn, PharmD).
“It is important to remember that all student pharmacists can advocate in various ways and have a unique, essential role in creating change for the future of pharmacy,” Lindsey shared.
UAMS averaged a Back the PAC contribution of $1.54 per student pharmacist.
Collaborate with all members
The Division A winner for the Back the PAC Campaign was The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Pharmacy. This chapter engaged student pharmacists from 3 campuses in a before-class pancake breakfast, arranged a Valentine’s Day candygram sale, and organized a bingo tournament in collaboration with their APhA New Practitioner Mentor. Through these combined efforts, the chapter averaged a donation of $2.76 per student pharmacist.
Reflecting on her chapter’s achievement, UTHSC Chapter Policy Vice President Abbi Mason believes collaboration was key. “Every single fundraiser took the collaboration and assistance of multiple chapter members across three different campuses, and I could have simply not done it without them,” she said.
Raised more than $13,000
Additionally, APhA members learned to prepare a delectable spread of tomato basil bruschetta and chicken parmesan through a hands-on virtual cooking class as part of a national fundraiser. Thanks to host Mitch Wright (@MasterChefMitch), the event raised more than $2,500 for the APhA–PAC!
In total, the 2022 Back the PAC campaign engaged 61 APhA–ASP Chapters and raised $13,643. Thank you to all student pharmacists who participated in this important campaign to advance the profession of pharmacy!
For more information about the nonpartisan APhA–PAC and how you can get involved, click here. Whether you can contribute $5 or $5,000, your participation will help protect and promote the pharmacy profession. Contact Mary-Ryan Douglass, APhA’s director of political programs, atmrdouglass@aphanet.org with any questions. Thanks in advance for your support of APhA–PAC!
The APhA–PAC is 100% funded by individual APhA members and is a nonpartisan entity governed by the Federal Election Commission. Contributions to American Pharmacists Association Political Action Committee (APhA–PAC) are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are limited to personal funds of $5,000 per person annually. You must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent residence in the U.S. in order to contribute. Contributions to the APhA–PAC will be used to support federal candidates and other political committees. Contributions are strictly voluntary. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Any proposed contribution level is merely a suggestion, and you are free to contribute more or less than suggested. Federal law requires the APhA–PAC to use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and employer of persons whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.