If you, as Health-System Pharmacists, want to run with the BIG DOGS, politically speaking that is, then you need to participate, donate and get involved with the VSHP PAC! For those not familiar with PACs, here is a brief primer.

PAC—(Noun) Acronym for Political Action Committee: A monetary fund set up by an organization for the purpose of making political contributions to candidates running for elective office.

Contributions to the PAC are made by individual members on a voluntary basis. Funds collected are in turn contributed to legislators who will work to advance the organization’s legislative agenda. Why, you may ask, is it important for the VSHP PAC to run with the big dogs and how is that important to you? PACs are an important element in financing election campaigns because they consist of groups of people with similar interests and concerns that pool their resources to elect candidates to public office. So, just imagine how important it would be to have a strong VSHP PAC! With the involvement of members like you, hundreds of health-system pharmacy voices are heard as one in the Virginia political process and, with that, VSHP’s legislative issues are given more emphasis.

The VSHP PAC advocates on behalf of its membership by supporting Virginia legislative candidates who understand the contributions pharmacists can make to health care. It provides an opportunity for members interested in the welfare and future of Pharmacy to contribute to the support of candidates for State Office. These candidates believe in VSHP’s purpose, principles and mission with regard to issues of vital interest to the profession of pharmacy, pharmaceutical care and public health. In addition, the VSHP PAC works closely with the regulatory side of the industry by monitoring the activities of the Board of Pharmacy and sharing any concerns VSHP may have with key members of the General Assembly.