Pharmacy advocates from across the country came together in Washington, D.C., last week for an incredibly inspiring and impactful 2026 NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill.

Across two days of programming, the NACDS Board of Directors, member organizations, and student pharmacists united with a shared purpose: ensuring policymakers understand the vital role pharmacies play as the face of neighborhood healthcare.

During meetings with Congress and federal leaders, NACDS advocates focused on three key priorities:

• Thanking Congress for its historic step on PBM reform, while urging continued vigilance through implementation and enforcement — and through the push for further legislation.
• Pressing for enactment of the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (H.R. 3164/S. 2426).
• Underscoring the vital importance of local pharmacies in TrumpRx and other emerging prescription drug models.

The week kicked off with the NACDS Board of Directors participating in a series of high-level meetings with policymakers and administration leaders, including discussions with U.S. Senators, the Office of the Speaker of the House, and officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, highlighting pharmacies’ role in strengthening healthcare access and advancing key policy priorities.

On Tuesday afternoon, student pharmacists from across the country gathered for RxIMPACT “U” Academy, where they learned about the policy landscape surrounding pharmacy and prepared to advocate for their patients and profession on Capitol Hill.

Student pharmacists also took time outside the U.S. Capitol to hold “Thank You” signs recognizing Congress’ historic action on Medicare PBM reform, while also displaying “Keep Pushing” signs underscoring that more work remains to fully address PBM practices and protect patient access.

During the RxIMPACT Welcome Dinner on Tuesday evening, attendees heard from NACDS leadership — President and CEO Steven C. Anderson and Board Chair Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer at Walgreens — about the significant advocacy progress achieved in recent months, including the historic step on PBM reform, and the continued importance of strong engagement on Capitol Hill to build on that momentum. NACDS also presented its Congressional Leadership Awardto Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA) in recognition of his commitment to advancing policies that support pharmacies and the patients they serve.

On Wednesday morning, advocates gathered for the Breakfast General Session, where NACDS reviewed the key policy issues of the day and teams had the opportunity to huddle together and prepare for their meetings.

Following the session, 32 teams of NACDS advocates donned their white coats and headed to Capitol Hill, meeting with congressional offices and sharing firsthand perspectives on the importance of strengthening pharmacies’ ability to serve patients and communities.

Thank you to every member organization, student pharmacist, and advocate who helped make this year’s NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill such a success.

We look forward to sharing additional photos in the coming days.