I visited with Former Vice President Mike Pence at a recent meeting of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 in Montreal. The Committee of 100 brings together CEOs of the most influential trade associations. Its members collaborate with and advise the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on issues, advocacy, and initiatives.

The discussion reflected extremely well on pharmacy – and everything that pharmacies and pharmacy teams did and continue to do to serve America amid COVID-19.

Privately, Vice President Pence and I recounted the unsurpassed heroics of pharmacies from the earliest days of the emergency. He is extremely well-versed in pharmacies’ leading role in staying open and meeting far-reaching health and wellness needs; in ramping up COVID-19 testing; in getting COVID-19 shots to arms; and much more. We discussed NACDS’ leadership in Operation Warp Speed during the Trump Administration, as well as in the Federal Pharmacy Partnership Program for COVID-19 vaccinations – the precursor to the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program in the Biden Administration.

Then, publicly during his remarks, Vice President Pence hailed pharmacies’ work several times. Each time he did, I thought of the dedication and effectiveness of pharmacy teams in helping to save the lives and livelihoods of Americans.

Reminding policymakers, business executives, opinion leaders, the media, and all constituencies of pharmacies’ role as the face of neighborhood healthcare – in times of need and every day – remains essential for advancing a pro-patient and pro-pharmacy agenda.

The recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 meeting provided an excellent forum for conveying that powerful message.