Iowa Pharmacy Political Action Committee (IPPAC)

The Importance of Political Activism

Certainly, the personal and professional relationships that pharmacists, technicians and students develop with their legislators provides an important foundation for pharmacy’s advocacy efforts. Legislators’ expertise in regard to political issues relies on two things – 1) listening to their constituents, neighbors, friends and health care providers; and 2) their experiences with their pharmacist and the health care system. Through these two mechanisms, it is important for pharmacists to make sure that key legislators understand the important role that today’s pharmacists play in enhancing the health care of Iowans.

Iowa Pharmacy's commitment to legislative involvement is critical to the future of our profession. Pharmacists working with their legislators and helping to keep them aware of our key issues remains an important cornerstone. As we work to educate our representatives and senators, we can build their understanding of our concerns regarding patient care and the role of the pharmacist.

Iowa Pharmacy Political Action Committee (IPPAC)

IPA has historically used their political action funds carefully and wisely to provide support to legislators and candidates who are supportive of pharmacy’s role in delivering patient care. To maximize pharmacy’s impact, IPA members are also invited to join IPA’s advocacy staff to participate in those political events. In 2002, IPPAC continued to nurture the profession’s involvement in the political process by providing support to allow pharmacy to attend over thirty political fundraising events.

IPPAC plays an important role in enhancing the legislative action mission of the profession of pharmacy in Iowa. Our ability to interact with key legislators plays a major role in keeping our visibility at the necessary high level.

Annual Iowa Pharmacy Political Leadership Breakfast

Each year, the Iowa Pharmacy Political Action Committee sponsors the Annual Political Leadership Breakfast in conjunction with IPA’s Educational Expo. This Breakfast has featured speakers such as Governor Howard Dean, Congressman Greg Ganske, ISU Political Science Professor Steffen Schmidt (“Dr. Politics”), and Senator Johnnie Hammond. Tickets must be purchased for this event, and all proceeds are designated to the IPA Political Education Fund.

Annual Legislative Day

The Iowa Pharmacy Association’s annual Legislative Day is the focal point of IPA’s legislative advocacy efforts. The enthusiasm and synergy of over a hundred pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy students annually brings energy to delivering pharmacy’s message to our legislators. This program provides pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students in Iowa with an opportunity to learn about the priority legislative and regulatory issues facing the profession of pharmacy in the legislative session; discuss the impact that pending legislative initiatives have on health care and the practice of pharmacy; and discuss national health care policy issues. In addition, participants are encouraged to meet with their legislators during a visit to the state capitol.

Enroll as an IPPAC Contributor

We encourage every pharmacist to make a contribution, at any level, to assure that our voice is heard. Enroll as an IPPAC contributor and play a part in supporting the goals and purpose of pharmacy’s political action agenda.

Honor Roll of IPPAC Donors

Thank you to the many pharmacists who have provided financial support to allow IPPAC to interact with legislators and candidates. This “Honor Roll” illustrates that pharmacists from all practice settings, in all areas of the state, provide support to IPA’s advocacy efforts each year.