Judy Lane

Washington Congresswoman Rodgers

Comments on NACDS’ RxIMPACT Day

Following the National Association Chain Drug Store’s (NACDS) highly successful RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill, held June 16-17,  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) inserted a statement about the NACDS RxIMPACT Day into the Congressional Record — a publication of each day’s official Congressional proceedings. The statement also recognizes pharmacy as the face of neighborhood healthcare and the critical importance of pharmacies to their local communities. 

“We applaud Rep. Rodgers for her recognition of pharmacy,” NACDS said. The following are her remarks: 

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the first RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill. Advocates from nearly 30 states traveled to the Washington, D.C. area on June 16-17 to talk about the contribution they make in providing quality healthcare in over 50,000 community pharmacies operating nationwide. These advocates are participating in this event to urge members of Congress to recognize the value of pharmacies and make these “most accessible” experts full participants in any innovative health care delivery system and coordinated care model that is included in health care reform legislation.  

“Pharmacists are on the frontline of delivering quality, affordable health care. Today, there are more than 254,000 licensed pharmacists in the United States who work to improve healthcare throughout delivery systems across the country, including community pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, hospice centers and in a patient's own home. Ninety-five percent of all Americans live within five miles of a retail or community pharmacy. It becomes a place where community members can ask questions, receive medications from pharmacists they know and trust, purchase prescription drugs at lower prices, and receive personal and knowledgeable service. 

“As the face of neighborhood healthcare, pharmacists across the nation are uniquely qualified to help patients manage their conditions through medication, including monitoring their prescription use. Appropriate medication use is critical to treating the most common chronic conditions that cost the nation $1.3 trillion in lost productivity, decreased quality of life and morbidity. Unfortunately, only 50 percent of Americans living with chronic diseases adhere to their prescribed drug regimen. Patient non-adherence not only costs the nation's economy $177 billion dollars each year, it is associated with a $47 billion dollar a year price tag for related hospitalizations.  

“I applaud the work of pharmacies and their pharmacists who play a special role in the lives and health of folks in Eastern Washington as well as all Americans. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in recognizing the First Annual RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill and congratulating the more than 150 pharmacy leaders, pharmacists, students, and executives and the pharmacy community for their contributions to the good health of the American people.” 

Hon. Cathy McMorris Rodgers

(Photo courtesy Susan B. Anthony List)

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            Until next time…..

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