Grassroots efforts are the lifeblood of any advocacy program. Individuals becoming involved at a local level can accomplish great things. Developing personal relationships with legislators and others holding political office; volunteering to work on a candidate’s campaign; and writing letters, sending e-mails and making phone calls to help educate legislators on specific issues are all critical grassroots activities.

Pharmacy Response Network
The Pharmacy Response Network (PRN) is composed of politically active pharmacy professionals who will respond to calls for action related to legislative issues that could impact the pharmacy profession. These pharmacy professionals respond to e-mail alerts on legislation that impacts pharmacy by contacting their local legislator and communicating with five additional professionals in their area to encourage them to contact legislators. Additionally, they provide active support to pharmacy friendly legislators, either through funding or other means.

For more information about PRN or to join, view the Pharmacy Response Network form (be sure to save the form and then open), complete and return to Director of Governmental Affairs Greg Baran at Greg@MichiganPharmacists.org. Please contact him at (517) 377-0224. The form also can be mailed to his attention to the MPA office at 408 Kalamazoo Plaza, Lansing, MI 48933.

Guide to 2012 Health Policy Committees
Get the scoop on the legislators in the House of Representatives and Senate who will be working most closely on health care and pharmacy issues on the Health Policy Committees. Click here for a guide to the House and Senate Health Policy Committeees.

Setup a Legislative Visit to Discuss Key Pharmacy Issues with Elected Officials Don't miss out on an opportunity to educate your elected officials on the importance of pharmacy to the health of their constituents. Legislative visits are a great way for you to share your viewpoints on important pieces of legislation or key issues that impact the profession of pharmacy. Watch this video for details on how to conduct a successful legislative visit, from set up to follow up. It also includes a mock legislative meeting focusing on House Bill 5131, transition of care legislation introduced by Rep. Lesia Liss (D-Warren) in 2011. Also, be sure to take advantage of this printable tips sheet for conducting a successful legislative visit.

Legislative Visit Report
Also, let us know when you've contacted your legislator or had a visit with them by using this Legislative Visit Report.

Advocacy Survey
Michigan Pharmacy PAC is conducting a survey to find out what you know about relationships you've established with your Representatives, Senators and other public officials, and what issues are most critical to you as a pharmacy professional. Please complete the survey online.