NACDS: Pharmacists make impact on Congress with new ad debut

WASHINGTON — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Wednesday announced the expansion of its get-out-the-vote initiative for 2016, with new video ads to encourage pharmacy personnel to volunteer and vote for the candidates of their choice.

 

The new ads are part of the larger NACDS RxIMPACT Votes get-out-the-vote effort, one aspect of NACDS’ suite of grassroots advocacy resources under the NACDS RxIMPACT name. The ads will bear the “hashtag” #PharmacyVoter that will be used in social media to foster a community-wide focus on voter engagement. NACDS also launched PharmacyVoter.org – a website targeted to the pharmacy community to showcase the effort.

 

The first 30-second ad — called “Effective” — debuted today during the launch of NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill, when nearly 400 pharmacy advocates will meet with 90% of the U.S. Congress to discuss key patient care issues. 

 

“The first ad makes a clear case to pharmacy personnel: we talk all the time about helping patients take their medications, and it is just as important to encourage voters to make their mark on the elections,” stated Steven Anderson, NACDS president and CEO. “NACDS members operate pharmacies in every state and Congressional District. Nearly all Americans – 86% – live within five miles of a community pharmacy. The point of NACDS RxIMPACT Votes is to demonstrate that the people of pharmacy are as politically engaged as they are patient-accessible.” 

 

Participation across both retailers and students in the 2016 NACDS RxIMPACT Day were up significantly, NACDS reported Wednesday. 

 

In support of NACDS RxIMPACT Day, Drug Store News took an in-depth look at community pharmacy and its growing role in helping to lower healthcare costs and expand patient access in the United States. 

 

The videos, website and social media engagement are designed to call attention to resources that pharmacy personnel and companies can use to inspire engagement in the political process. NACDS’ online resources help to identify candidates running for office in a geographic area; help to understand how to take the first step to volunteer on a campaign; help to plan an effective get-out-the-vote rally; and how to build a company culture that emphasizes participation in our nation’s system of government.

 

NACDS will release the next 30-second ad later this spring.