Policy on! Discover your voice and be the change in health policy

Policy is scary! I wouldn’t know how to even start! I’m young and inexperienced, so what would I offer? Why bother? Does it even do anything? How many of us have said or thought any or all of these? We certainly have at one point in our own careers.

While the policy process might be new, foreign, or even intimidating to some, consider the incredible impact that can be generated from one effective idea. For example, it was previously very common for pharmacies to sell tobacco products! How is a pharmacist supposed to practice high quality patient care while the pharmacy itself makes cigarettes and other tobacco products available for purchase? You are probably aware that very few pharmacies sell tobacco products today, and some cities and states prohibit pharmacies from selling these products. What you may not know is that in 2010, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) House of Delegates passed a policy urging the discontinuation of tobacco sales in facilities that include pharmacies. The positive change all started with a policy—actually, an idea. Someone had the good sense to recognize that selling an inducer of lung disease, along with its treatment options, within the same organization was counterproductive to the patient care pharmacists hoped to provide. They brought that idea forward, it became APhA policy (2010: Discontinuation of the Sale of Tobacco Products in Pharmacies and Facilities That Include Pharmacies), and now we’re here! This is just one example of the power of a single idea, catalyzed by the policy process.

"Okay, I’m convinced of the power of this process, but how do I get started?"

We’re glad you asked! It’s easy to get involved both informally and formally. If you want to start off slowly, start by showing up!

1. Attend past recorded or upcoming webinars and virtual caucuses! Learning what others are saying and what ideas are being generated can help to shape your own opinions and learn the process. Check them out here: https://pharmacist.com/About/Leadership/HOD/Learn
2. You can also get involved in the APhA Engage forum, where you will find topic discussions related to policy matters. The Engage platform is located here: https://engage.pharmacist.com/home
3. Attend the House of Delegate sessions to see the culmination of the policy process first-hand! See how the process plays out and how business is conducted. It’s a great opportunity to connect with people who share your concern about the profession and the people we serve. The next time you can take part in a live House of Delegates session is at the APhA Annual Meeting (March 24-27, 2023) in Phoenix, Arizona.
4. Register as a Delegate to serve your profession! Unsure of ways to qualify? Delegates can represent state associations, nationally recognized organizations (13 organizations, 2 delegates each), association member groups, ex-officio leadership roles, or speaker appointees. Check out this useful APhA House of Delegates Toolkit to learn more about the role and expectations of APhA Delegates: https://aphanet.pharmacist.com/sites/default/files/files/Delegate%20Toolkit%20%20.pdf
5. The APhA website has descriptions of each committee, which can help you choose the one that best aligns with your goals and ability to engage: https://www.pharmacist.com/About/Leadership/HOD/How-to-Serve#link1

We’ve broken down the time commitment and other details in the table below:

Policy Process Involvement Opportunities Summarized

* Meets every even year (election year) at the APhA Annual Meeting

** Could require presence during certain meetings throughout the year (weekend in Washington DC, APhA Annual meeting, etc.)

Are you ready to be actively involved? We need your unique skill set! The more diverse the committee – years in practice, practice setting, geographical area, background, etc. – the better.  For those with a strong interest in policy and a talent for public speaking, the position of Speaker of the House may be something you want to pursue in the future. There really is something for everyone, and again, all of us have something to offer to make the process, and the profession, as strong as it can be. In the words of APhA President-elect Alex Varkey, "Let’s get to work."

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