Starting with the first hints of health care reform during the 2008 presidential campaign, APhA has worked hard to make sure pharmacists were the best-informed health professional about changes in our American system of care. That effort continued yesterday when APhA participated in a meeting at the White House about efforts to help patients make the transition as marketplaces are implemented under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Representing APhA at the meeting was Michael Ghobrial, PharmD, JD, our Associate Director of Health Policy. He represented our members and pharmacists practicing in all settings well, sharing with senior administration officials information about pharmacists’ important roles in their communities as health care providers, triage experts, and care coordinators.

As this process continues to unfold, APhA will be there to support pharmacists’ efforts to support all of our patients. For many patients and especially those who lack health insurance, the pharmacy is not just an important place where health care services are obtained. It’s the only place.

Regardless of our political leanings and personal opinions about ACA, we have an obligation to help patients. At this point in our nation’s history, that includes pointing some of our neediest patients in the direction of the state and federal exchanges where health insurance is available.

Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone.