2026 -- H 8598

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LC006115

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

DECLARING MAY 28, 2026, AS "PHARMACY ADVOCACY DAY" IN THE STATE OF

RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives McGaw, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale,
DeSimone, Read, Speakman, Cotter, Carson, and Boylan

     Date Introduced: May 28, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, The health and well-being of Rhode Island residents are of paramount

importance; and

     WHEREAS, Pharmacists are among the most accessible and visible healthcare providers,

delivering critical services to patients; and

     WHEREAS, Pharmacists are well-positioned to ensure optimal medication therapy

outcomes, expand public health efforts, provide accessible and quality patient-centered care,

education, and advocacy to individuals across the State; and

     WHEREAS, Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists serve as

integral members of the healthcare team, working collaboratively with patients, caregivers,

physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to optimize

medication therapy and improve health outcomes; and

     WHEREAS, According to the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), in Rhode

Island there are approximately 1,170 licensed pharmacists and 1,590 pharmacy technicians, all

providing essential medication management, vaccination services, and other healthcare services

to residents across the State; and

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Pharmacists Association has declared May 28, 2026, as

Rhode Island Pharmacy Advocacy Day; and

     WHEREAS, Pharmacy Advocacy Day provides an opportunity to recognize and

celebrate the contributions of pharmacy professionals to the health and well-being of our

communities, while also raising awareness of the importance of pharmacy advocacy efforts in

shaping healthcare policy and advancing the pharmacy profession; and

     WHEREAS, It is essential that Rhode Islanders support and promote the vital role of

pharmacy professionals in public health and healthcare delivery, and encourage greater

collaboration between pharmacists, policymakers, healthcare providers, and community

stakeholders to address healthcare challenges and improve patient care; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

declares May 28, 2026, as "Pharmacy Advocacy Day" in the State of Rhode Island and

encourages all citizens, healthcare professionals, organizations, and institutions to recognize and

participate in activities and events that promote pharmacy advocacy, raise awareness of the

importance of pharmacists in healthcare, and support the goals and objectives of Pharmacy

Advocacy Day; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association and

the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.

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LC006115

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