On Thursday, nearly 300 people attended the 4^th Annual Capitol Hill Health Fair at the Rayburn House Office Building, including Members of Congress, their staff and the general public. Attendees were able to get flu shots and health screenings, including bone density, glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, and body composition.

With millions of Americans lacking adequate access to preventative health screenings and immunizations, the Health Fair represented an opportunity for pharmacists to demonstrate their broad range of patient care services within their practice settings and to also encourage Congressional leaders to recognize the value of pharmacists in improving patient access to health care by supporting the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act (H.R. 592/S. 314).

“As the only pharmacist in Congress, it makes me very proud to see pharmacists in action on Capitol Hill,” United States Representative Earl L. “Buddy” Carter said. “This event showcases how many services pharmacists can provide.”

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) partnered with Rep. Carter’s Office, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the National Community Pharmacists Association, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and Walgreens to host the Health Fair.

The free flu shots and health screenings were provided by pharmacists from Walgreens and student pharmacists from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy, Howard University College of Pharmacy, Shenandoah University Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy.

Rep. Carter has participated in a number of activities to promote the profession of pharmacy and advocate for the recognition of pharmacists’ services, but he has a particular interest in the Health Fair. “The Annual Capitol Hill Health Fair is an event I look forward to hosting every year. Capitol Hill can be a pretty busy place and the health fair is a great opportunity to slow down for a moment for important screenings and flu shots. It’s a wonderful event and I know everyone who stops by is more than impressed.” 

The success of the Health Fair has Rep. Carter planning ahead for the future. “I look forward to continuing this annual event for many years to provide important health services and educate Members of Congress and staff about important pharmacy and health care issues."