The COVID-19 pandemic placed an unprecedented strain on our health care system, with many Virginia patients experiencing health challenges and delays in care due to staffing and supply shortages. Virginia pharmacists stepped up to help address this challenge to protect local communities through the administration of COVID tests, vaccines and treatments. As we emerge from the pandemic, Virginia lawmakers must make sure we don’t take a step back and that we continue to empower pharmacists to help us combat pandemics like COVID-19 and other public health threats such as the flu and strep.
Pharmacists play a critical role in health care delivery for many communities in Virginia as well as across the country. Nearly 90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a community pharmacy, and pharmacists are often the health care professionals Virginians see most frequently to discuss their health. With 42% of Americans living more than 5 miles away from a hospital, pharmacists are a trusted health care resource in communities across the commonwealth. In addition, there are 15.1% more pharmacy locations than physician practices within low-income communities across the country, helping to bring essential health care to at-risk communities. Pharmacists are also more readily accessible and can typically be seen without an appointment. Many have longer hours and are open on weekends, making them a more convenient option for patients and allowing them to more quickly initiate and modify treatment for patients than other medical professionals.
During the height of the pandemic, pharmacists helped administer lifesaving vaccines to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Coming out of COVID, we should take lessons learned from the ongoing pandemic and continue to make health care more accessible for Virginians across the state — and that starts with community pharmacists.
As we work to promote strong public health and close health care disparities across the commonwealth, we must further empower pharmacists to provide additional critical care to our families. Luckily, Virginia lawmakers are currently considering legislation that will expand pharmacist capabilities and allow us to test and treat our patients in limited circumstances, such as COVID-19, the flu, strep and urinary tract infections. House Bill 2274 is a step in the right direction to helping patients get the care they need by improving their access to care.
Allowing local community pharmacists to provide point-of-care testing in Virginia will increase patient access to acute, chronic and preventive care screenings and appropriate treatment plans. This legislation will drastically improve timely access to care for patients without delaying treatment. With pharmacists often being a more convenient option for patients, Virginians will be able to get routine health services they need without having to wait for an appointment at a doctor’s office. Pharmacists meet patients with care they need when they need it.
One study found that patients visited a community-based pharmacy 35 times per year compared to only four visits to a primary care physician. Virginians are already seeing their pharmacists on a more regular cadence than other health care professionals, and we have the education and resources to be able to provide quality health care services. We just need the power to do so.
Passing this legislation and allowing pharmacists to test and treat for common illnesses such as COVID, the flu and urinary tract infections is a critical step to improving health outcomes across the commonwealth. I urge all Virginia policymakers to take action now and protect the health and safety of all Virginians by passing HB 2274. Patients cannot keep waiting for the health care they need.
Dr. Jade L. Ranger is a pharmacist and co-owner of The Prescription Shoppe, a full-service independent community pharmacy in Williamsburg.
