Cardinal Health has endorsed the Coalition for Community Pharmacy Action. The advocacy group is a joint partnership between the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS).

Many recent government actions seriously jeopardize the future of pharmacy. Examples include the implementation of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, proposed cuts in Medicaid reimbursements to pharmacy, and a plan to mandate that military beneficiaries in the TRICARE program use mail order for their prescriptions. Cardinal Health's efforts will help the advocacy group ensure that community pharmacists will be there to serve their patients.

"Cardinal Health has long been committed to the success of community pharmacy. We are focused on joining with NCPA and NACDS to reach out to Capitol Hill and build respect and understanding for the vital role community pharmacists play in the delivery of health care in this country," commented Michael Bender, president/general manager of retail/alternate care at the company. "It's in everyone's best interest—patients, industry, and the government—to have a thriving community pharmacy sector."