At the beginning of this year, the Michigan Pharmacy Political Action Council (PAC) shared with you its 2014 year in review. In an effort to reach more members, we would like to share it again and remind you of all that was accomplished in 2014. The report, available online, includes a message from Pharmacy PAC Chair Hank Fuhs, information on advocacy opportunities, a complete review of 2014 PAC activities and fundraisers, profiles on several engaged members, legislative successes, 2015 legislative goals, donor recognition and facts on Pharmacy PAC. 

Michigan Pharmacy PAC, the MPA advocacy and legislative team, and engaged members worked together to make a difference and we are looking forward to even greater opportunities in the future! To get involved in advocacy efforts by making a donation to PAC or by becoming a member of the Pharmacy Advocacy Response Team, please contact MPA Manager of Advocacy, Governmental and Regulatory Affairs Amanda Lick by phone at (517) 377-0254 or by e-mail at Amanda@MichiganPharmacists.org. Help us continue to make a difference in 2015 for pharmacy and for your patients. Your involvement will help ensure that your voice heard!

Pharmacy Day at the Capitol, to be held Sept. 22, 2015, on the south lawn of the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing, provides an opportunity for pharmacists and student pharmacists to educate legislators on their value as health care professionals. Volunteers are given unique one-on-one time with Michigan’s elected officials to provide wellness demonstrations, including blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol monitoring, immunizations, emergency preparedness and healthy lifestyle practices. In addition, participants have a chance to utilize talking points to discuss key pharmacy issues with lawmakers. MPA also holds the Medication Disposal Event @ the Capitol in conjunction with Pharmacy Day at the Capitol to allow the public to safely dispose of unused, unwanted or expired medications and showcase the value of pharmacists in keeping patients and communities safe. 

There are various sponsorship opportunities available for this upcoming event! Be sure to visit the Exhibits and Sponsorships page on our Web site or access the sponsorship form online for complete details. Your support for this event expand MPA and the Michigan Pharmacy Political Action Councils’ efforts to advocate for positive changes in pharmacy and highlight the valuable role that pharmacy professionals play in health care. If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Lick, MPA manager of advocacy, governmental and regulatory affairs, at (517) 377-0254 or Amanda@MichiganPharmacists.org.

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) occurs every August and provides an opportunity to highlight the value of immunizations across a patient’s lifespan. Visit the NPHIC Web site to access the toolkit, key points, logos and banners, and additional resources to promote NIAM throughout August. You can also share your activities by completing an online form. The organization will share these activities with others by posting them on their site, and document these events to display the important work to promote the value of immunizations.

Wayne State University (WSU) has been awarded funding for the proposed Urban Center of Antimicrobial Resistance, Discovery, Education and Stewardship (UCARDES). This innovative project is being funded through the President’s Research Enhancement Program – Integrative Bioscience, the university’s special interior funding initiative created to support interdisciplinary research focused on major challenges affecting the quality of life across urban communities. 

Detroit and urban centers are considered “ground-zero” for drug-resistant infections that are difficult to treat for many reasons. The new project, UCARDES, is tasked with addressing the problems of drug resistance through coordination of multidisciplinary efforts, including antibiotic research and development, novel uses for existing drugs, antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention and management, and community engagement.  

This immense project will involve multiple regional health systems and organizations such as Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health System, Oakwood Hospital, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The UCARDES team will include scientists, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, engineers, behaviorists and social workers. Funding of just under $900,000 for three years is aimed at creating team-science synergies and developing interdisciplinary educational and training programs for students, research fellows and faculty. A key goal for sustained success will be obtaining external funding for an urban research agenda through government, foundations and corporate sources. 

It’s never too early to start thinking about October as American Pharmacists Month and Michigan Pharmacy Week, Oct. 18-24! Participate in the That’s My Pharmacist campaign this October. All of our materials have been revamped for this year’s campaign, so you’ll receive fresh, new educational posters, medication cards and brochures for your pharmacy and patients. To learn more about the program and to sign up to receive valuable resources visit www.ThatsMyPharmacist.com or contact Amanda Lick at (517) 377-0254 or Amanda@MichiganPharmacists.org!