The American Pharmacists Association Political Action Committee (APhA-PAC) was formed in 1985. It is used to support candidates for federal office who have demonstrated support for pharmacy issues and recognize the value of pharmacists in the health care system.

APhA's PAC is a tool with which pharmacists can maintain presence in a crowded arena of various interests in the federal election process.

APhA-PAC is the best tool that pharmacists have for supporting candidates who share our views on important issues.

Donate online to APhA-PAC today!

Mission: To support candidates for federal office who have demonstrated support for pharmacy issues and recognize the value of pharmacists in the health care system

Purpose: To PROMOTE and PROTECT the pharmacy profession The APhA-PAC supports candidates for federal office who have demonstrated support for pharmacists and pharmacy issues and recognize the value of pharmacists in the health care system. The APhA-PAC evaluates contribution decisions based on the following guidelines:

Primary Considerations:

• The candidate’s position on issues affecting pharmacists and pharmacy practice
• The character of a candidate, including APhA’s core values of Collaboration, Integrity, Respect, Quality, and Accountability
• The candidate’s leadership or policy-shaping position in their party or chamber
• The nature and strength of a candidate’s viability in a given election

Additional Considerations:

• APhA member recommendations with additional consideration to PAC donor recommendations
• APhA member presence in a candidate’s state/district
• Freshman lawmakers
• Open-seat candidate with a history of support for or a direct connection to pharmacy practice
• Contributions to national party committees and caucus committees may be given

The APhA-PAC Will NOT Support:

• A candidate until they have formally declared their intent to seek federal political office
• Presidential campaigns
• A government official’s personal defense fund
• Debt retirement for a candidate
• Leadership PACs

APhA-PAC Supported Candidates 2019-2020

How are PACs regulated?

PACs are regulated by federal campaign finance laws. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) was established by the 1971 Federal Election Campaign Act law (FECA). The FEC collects detailed financial activity of all PACs on a frequent basis and makes the reports available to any citizen. All federal PACs operate under strict limits on what they can give per candidate per election. They are a well-established, safe mechanism for supporting federal candidates that support pharmacy. 

Who can contribute to APhA-PAC?

APhA's PAC can only accept contributions from individual APhA members with a limit of $5,000 per year. APhA's PAC cannot accept funds from foreign nationals, corporations, unions, or other associations with whom APhA does not have an affiliation agreement. APhA’s PAC must also must disclose anonymous cash contributions over $50 and cash contributions from a known donor that aggregate to $100 or more. 

How can you contribute to APhA-PAC?

• Online:
  
  • Login to www.pharmacist.com, click on the “Get Involved” menu, select “APhA-PAC” under “Advocate”
  • Visit:  pharmacist.com/apha-pac (http://bit.ly/2n2VpjV)

• Text-to-Done: Text “Action” to 50155. You will receive a text back with a link through which to contribute

• Check: Mail a personal check to

APhA-PAC

Attn: Mary-Ryan Douglass

2215 Constitution Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20037

• Cash: Mail your contribution to the same address listed above. Include documentation regarding your name, address, phone, email, employer, and occupation. Remember the limits regarding cash contributions from anonymous ($50) and known ($100) contributors.

Operations

As a federal committee, the APhA-PAC can only contribute to candidates who are running for federal office. APhA-PAC is not affiliated with any political party.  The PAC is governed by a Board of Governors which oversees the fundraising and disbursement activities of the Committee. The Board works with the APhA’s Government Affairs department to determine which federal candidates receive an APhA-PAC contribution. Additionally, any recommendations for giving made by APhA members are given consideration by APhA.