I had a clinical post geared up today, but this was too important to pass up. It has come to my attention that there is not a pharmacist on Joe Biden’s COVID Advisory Board. A fellow colleague shared this information with me which was highly disappointing. Is this insane, or is it just me?
We have a lot of work to do to continue to promote our profession and get out of the “overlooked” category in which we are so often placed. I’m sending a letter today and if you think the profession of pharmacy needs a seat at the table, please do the same.
I’ve attached a sample letter that you can use and adapt based upon your background and what you’d like to say. Without costing you a dime, this could help shape the direction of the COVID response and improve our recognition as providers of healthcare services.
Here’s the place to send your message: https://go.joebiden.com/page/s/contact-us
Thank you so much for following the blog and supporting the profession that I care deeply about.
Eric Christianson, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP
If you have trouble with the Google Doc, you can copy/paste from here:
“Dear President-Elect Biden,
Congratulations on your election to President of the United States.
Recently the transition team announced the creation of the COVID-19 Advisory Board comprised of a highly qualified group of health care experts that are being charged with the task of effectively directing the federal response to the pandemic. This board however does not include a pharmacist.
The US Department of Health and Human Services recently announced pharmacists will be allowed to administer the COVID-19 vaccines. Pharmacists have ranked as one of the most trusted and accessible healthcare professionals for many years. Pharmacists have intense training in vaccine safety and administration; this training is documented by certification from the American Pharmacists Association. More pharmacies are offering immunization services thus increasing the number of access points for patients. The general public prefers the convenience of receiving vaccinations from a pharmacist and more than 95% of patients live within 5 miles of a pharmacy. This translates to pharmacists being in a unique and beneficial position to closing the chasm for vaccinations. Pharmacists and pharmacies will play an integral role in the distribution, storage, and administration of COVID-19 vaccines not only in community settings but also in hospitals.
It is crucial in the midst of this pandemic to include a pharmacist as a member of the COVID-19 Advisory Board. This Advisory Board would benefit from the unique perspective from pharmacists who work with patients with COVID-19 daily on the front lines, in the community, in hospitals, and in many other capacities.
I strongly urge the consideration of adding a pharmacist to this critically important Advisory Board.
Thank you in advance for your consideration,
YOUR NAME/Credentials”
Thank you Eric! We have let others direct our profession for too long . We need to stand up as a group!
Thank you, Eric, for bring this to our attention. I urge everyone to participate with letting government know Pharmacist are a vital part of patient care.
I did send the email
Thank you, Eric. It is so important pharmacists to have our voices be heard.We are an intricate part of the health system, thus essential to have a pharmacist is on the COVID-10 Advisory Board. Every pharmacist/pharmacy technicians seeing blog need to immediately send a letter. Spread the word to all your colleagues and friends.
Thank you for this! I sent in the letter.
I was just thinking about this the other day. I am glad you said something. It’s like you read my mind
Hello Eric,
Thank you for everything your do. And yes indeed this is an important issue for us pharmacists. Just sent the email.
Trump doesn’t have a pharmacist on his task force either. Shouldn’t be much of a surprise since pharmacists are always at the bottom of the totem pole and are only brought to the forefront when it’s convenient.
Oh wow! I had no idea. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. May I suggest something ? Is it possible you can post this letter on change.org, like a petition. Thereby, we can share on all social media platforms and have other pharmacists sign the petition in agreement.
Listening to Ask Congress session on virtual Midyear. The comment made at one point is a lot of back channel discussions are occurring, but they concurred with making it more prominent
Thank you! Eric for the great emails and discussion about importance of a pharmacist. I did send email.
Are not pharmacists too pure of intent to sway aside and manifest societal controls as determined by non medical interests of political leaders? Pharmacist observations have always assisted my concerns for unreported side effects and needs of gentler alternatives to the wasting effects of harsh medications. Unfortunately my remarks are not tongue in cheek at all. Id like to follow your successes in this highly valid pursuit!
Done! Thanks for putting this together Eric!
Thanks Blair!
I agree. I think it’s important to include the pharmaceutical position on the board. Lots of knowledge that can be given. Thank you.