HEALTH

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Chain and independent pharmacy retailers learned a long time ago that going to bat for disadvantaged consumers in the communities they serve often can make good economic sense, as well as make them good corporate citizens. Their current campaign to convince Congress to extend the temporary federal boost in medical assistance for lower-income Americans hit hard by a brutal recession is a perfect case in point.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Change in America often happens slowly due to the country’s large size and the relative autonomy of its states -- usually starting in a handful of states or cities and eventually extending across the country.

(THE NEWS: Pennsylvania boosts pharmacists’ role; NACDS hails bid for collaborative. For the full story, click here)