Lydia Fritsche

Lydia Fritsche is a pharmacy student in her final year at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Pharmacy. Throughout her academic career, Lydia has actively engaged in leadership roles within the UNMC American Pharmacists Association - Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) Chapter, particularly in the Student Political Action Network (SPAN), and as a member of the UNMC Student Delegates.

Her commitment to advocating for policies that enhance patient access to healthcare and pharmacy services has been evident in her roles as UNMC’s APhA-ASP Chapter Delegate, Policy Vice President, SPAN Committee Chair, and the College of Pharmacy Liason for the UNMC Student Delegates. In those roles, she empowered her peers to recognize their potential in shaping their professional futures and the importance of advocating for policies that impact their field.

Lydia has played a pivotal role in facilitating discussions among students regarding relevant issues, encouraging them to express their opinions to faculty and representatives. She organized field trips to the Nebraska State Capitol, allowing students to participate in the legislative process through testimony at open hearings and direct engagement with their senators. Her initiative in creating informative handouts, policy newsletters, and personalized guidance for students seeking to communicate with their representatives has been instrumental in fostering a proactive attitude among her peers.

Alongside her other initiatives, she also introduced a policy aimed at improving patient access to prescription medications. The policy garnered support from her professors and the Nebraska Pharmacists Association and successfully became a Nebraska State Law in 2023. An additional component of this law is slated for introduction as a bill in 2025.

Lydia is grateful to APhA and the APhA-ASP community for their support and guidance in nurturing her passion for advocacy.