With the release of the second half of the 2024 legislative session calendar, MPA has made the difficult decision to cancel Pharmacy Day at the Capitol this year as the previously scheduled date (Sept. 10) is not indicated as being a session day. Though this is an unfortunate outcome, we want to make sure that our volunteers have excellent advocacy experiences and that we make the most of their precious time. Given the unpredictable nature of the fall session schedule in election years, we do not feel comfortable arranging another time in September, as legislators and their offices may also be unavailable to meet on an alternate date.

Recognizing that this is the second time the event has been cancelled due to the legislative calendar in an election year, MPA is considering transitioning Pharmacy Day at the Capitol into a biannual event, as it was originally held prior to 2014. During election years going forward, MPA will be exploring other advocacy opportunities that can take place at the very places where grassroots advocacy takes hold: back in the district.

Your state representatives and senators will be back in-district this summer and fall and looking forward to hearing from their constituents. This is the perfect opportunity to let them know what matters most to you in the tail-end of this legislative session and what issues need to be addressed in the coming years. Here’s what you can do:

1. Go to the MPA Advocacy Action Center and look at the active campaigns we have been running. Reach out to your legislators using the form emails we provide or customize your message to share your personal opinions on the issues that impact your practice.
2. Invite your legislators to have a conversation with you. This could include inviting them to your practice site, working with your local association to schedule an event, or even just requesting a quick meeting for coffee. If you need help reaching out to your legislator, contact MPA Director of Government Affairs Eric Roath at ERoath@MichiganPharmacists.org.
3. Register to attend the 2024 MPA Law and Policy Symposium. In addition to getting your CE credits for ethics and jurisprudence, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the current legal and regulatory changes and proposals and how you can help impact them going forward.

Thank you for your understanding and your continued commitment to the mission and vision of MPA. If you have any questions, please contact Eric Roath for additional information.