In recognition of National Pharmacy Week, students, health professionals and elected officials attended the 2024 Annual Legislative Day Event, a conference intended to advocate for the pharmacy profession, Friday afternoon at the Stauffer Pharmaceutical Sciences Center at the Health Sciences Campus.

Mark Hanin, who organized the event, said the conference was hosted to encourage students to become involved in advocacy.

“We host Legislative Day not only to raise awareness on legislation and advocacy but really the message of why it matters that we care about these issues impacting our community,” said Hanin, master of public health and doctor of pharmacy student. “Everyone can [be] inspired by what is discussed here today and use it to guide their practice and to increase their level of engagement.”

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Elected officials discussed recent legislation addressing health care services and the pharmacy profession, including Senate Bill 966 — a proposal intended to prevent increases in drug costs and improve access to treatment. Other proposed policies have addressed scope of practice, clinical services and affordability of medications.

Ghizal Yosufi, a first-year pharmacy student, said the event gave her a broader idea of how to support population health.

“There are a lot of issues — whether it’s insurance, public health, pharmacy — that contribute to the health and well-being of others,” Yosufi said. “As a future pharmacist, I definitely want to contribute to that, and maybe look into legislation and see how I can contribute to future laws and politics regarding health.”

Students had the opportunity to speak with legislators, network with pharmacy professionals and listen to panels. Professionals discussed community pharmacy, chronic condition care, and management of complex prescription medications — and the role of advocacy in expanding access to clinical services.

Guest speakers included faculty from the USC Mann School of Pharmacy, a former president of the California State Board of Pharmacy, leaders from the California Pharmacists Association and elected officials.

Sean Kim, senior membership manager of the California Pharmacists Association, said students can pursue advocacy work during their education and throughout their careers.

“Whether you decide to go to ambulatory care, managed care, health system, industry or community-based setting, pharmacy is deeply integrated into the community, and we are doing this for our patients,” Kim said. “You are doing this for yourself to figure out what is your passion, why you are doing this profession.”

Hanin, who serves as the director of legislative affairs for the American Pharmacy Student Alliance, said he organized the event to connect students with pharmacy professionals and elected officials to engage in local, state and national advocacy.

“I am hopeful that a lot of these students, after they attend these events, will be able to reach out to their local pharmacy association and see if they can join in on a meeting, see how they can contribute — how they can serve as a student liaison to help spread the message of why pharmacy legislation advocacy matters and why it is important for the future of our profession,” Hanin said.

Faculty encouraged students to become involved in the legislative process by speaking with elected officials, sharing key issues affecting the pharmacy profession and advocating for community health.

Nancy Ramirez, a first-year pharmacy student, said the event speakers inspired her to become involved in advocacy for the pharmacy profession.

“Not only are they using their medical background for their profession, but also legislatively to advocate for certain bills and laws that can impact patient care,” Ramirez said. “Hearing this conversation has definitely opened my mind to more possibilities that I can do in my profession, not just clinically and academically, but [also to] gain that momentum to make some change.”