WASHINGTON   -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson today announced that she has joined the membership in the newly-formed bipartisan Congressional Community Pharmacy Coalition. The coalition is dedicated to preserving patient access to America’s community pharmacists.

“In Southern Missouri, our community pharmacists provide a level of service that is crucial to meeting the health care needs of our rural population.  They are always available, they work hard for their patients, and they should be able to compete on a level playing field.  Oftentimes, the federal government forgets that our community pharmacies are small businesses, and it is very important that we do everything within reason to keep these small businesses open in our communities.  This new caucus in Congress is going to take these matters to heart and help advocate for community pharmacies at the federal level,” Emerson said.

Community pharmacists provide over 300,000 jobs at 23,000 independent retail pharmacies nationwide. Community pharmacists fill 40 percent of the prescription medications which keep our seniors, our children and our workforce healthy. In many smaller communities, pharmacies are the primary health care resource.