GET INVOLVED - YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
By Tammy Gray, R.Ph. Austin

I used to pride myself in being anti-political. To be honest I never understood politics and had no desire to understand the political process. My attitude was such that I felt it was not necessary to know about politics. Boy was I wrong. I grew up in an average family with two parents that were very faithful about voting, but that was about it. They did not even talk about how they voted. I thought political opinions were not to be discussed. Something you held close to your heart, never to be revealed except in the privacy of the voting booth.

Several years ago David Gonzales, then with Legend Pharmacy, called me to ask my opinion of a particular pharmacy issue concerning the dispensing of prescription medication to residents of nursing homes. David and I had a lengthy conversation on the issue and how certain changes would affect my business. After our discussion, David asked if I would be willing to speak to a Senate subcommittee about the issue the next day. I did not know what to say. Not only did I know little about the political process, I had never even been in the State Capitol although I had lived in Austin for over 15 years.

Long story short, my experience in the Senate chamber at the Capitol of Texas that next day changed my opinion of the political process. Do I totally understand the process? NO. But I quickly saw how my contribution in educating those who make the decisions in the political process made a difference. My short testimony provided information to the lawmakers about the pharmacy profession that some were unaware of – just facts and the plain truth.

I have testified several times at the Capitol since that day. The awareness that I have gained about the political process is that even I can make a difference in the future of my profession. We must influence and educate these legislators. Believe me, there are plenty of other groups out there influencing the legislators and they do not have the best interest of pharmacy in mind.

Political involvement can occur at many different levels. If you know a legislator personally I would encourage supporting that individual during their campaign. Personal relationships are valuable during time of need. If you do not know any legislators personally, make a point to meet them when possible. It is important that our voices are heard over and over again. Legislators need to know about our concerns and all the turmoil our profession has withstood over the past several years.

I challenge you to get involved at any level. Stay on top of the issues. Be ready to help when help is needed. Develop positive relationships with legislators. And last but not least, contribute regularly to the TrueCare PAC fund and the TrueCare Survival Fund so the TrueCare can continue to work effectively for you at the Capitol.

 

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