The Capitol

Virtual 2021 NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill urges pro-patient, pro-pharmacy issues

COVID-19 vaccination speed and equity, DIR fee reform, and organized retail crime are among the key topics to be addressed during The National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ virtual RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill.
Levy

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Thursday will conduct a virtual version of the 13th Annual NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill. A total of 327 advocates from all 50 states will assemble virtually to have nearly 480 congressional remote meetings. Today, the NACDS board of directors will jumpstart the event with an ambitious schedule of congressional meetings that will set the tone.

The event will include representation from 56% of all NACDS member companies — the highest representation in the history of the program — as well as participation from 19 NACDS board members, 25 colleges and schools of pharmacy and 16 state pharmacy associations.

The 2021 program will focus on educating members of Congress on key pro-patient, pro-pharmacy priorities. NACDS said it will urge a legislative approach to maintaining and enhancing preparedness for the nation as it continues to address COVID-19.

NACDS also said it will emphasize direct and indirect remuneration, or DIR fee reform, that is crucial for reducing older adults’ out-of-pocket drug costs and for preserving pharmacy viability and access, as well as push for a crackdown on organized retail crime that is jeopardizing Americans’ safety and dealing an economic blow to retailers that causes ripple effects throughout the economy.

“This is always a high-energy event for the face of neighborhood health care in Washington, D.C., and we appreciate the extremely impressive engagement of pharmacy advocates at this crucial time for our nation,” said NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson.

“Our annual RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill event started in 2009 — at the beginning of the H1N1 pandemic. Twelve years later, NACDS members again have risen to the challenge and proven their value to individuals, to communities and to the nation," Anderson said. "It is particularly important that pharmacy is here right now to speak to the critical issue of pharmacy’s commitment and effectiveness in bringing speed and equity to the COVID-19 vaccination initiative. Getting these shots to arms in medically underserved areas, rural communities and across all races — particularly those hardest hit by the pandemic — is a major focus for the Biden administration, for the Congress and for pharmacies.”

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