By Lori Maricle, College of Pharmacy
SPOKANE, Wash. – More than 70 student pharmacists from Washington State University spoke to state legislators in Olympia this month about expanding use of pharmacy services. And a student pharmacist will represent WSU on March 25-26 when 300 advocates from across the nation take a similar message to Washington, D.C.
In Olympia, students joined representatives from the Washington State Pharmacy Association to educate legislators about how pharmacists can fill growing healthcare needs. The annual event advocates for pharmacists as care providers to address minor ailments and conditions in the underserved and rural areas of the state.
Ryan Nottingham, student pharmacist in the WSU class of 2016, will participate in “RxIMPACT Day” on Capitol Hill. It will educate members of the U.S. Congress about the importance of pro-patient, pro-pharmacy policy and key issues related to healthcare reform, according to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, which is the organization coordinating the national event.
The WSU College of Pharmacy is ranked second in the nation by the American Pharmacists Association for student-led participation in the Pharmacists Provide Care campaign that advocates for pharmacists to be granted provider status under federal law.
