The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) has launched Fight4Rx.org, which is dedicated to recruiting and transforming patients into grassroots activists for community pharmacies by educating them on the vital role pharmacists play and the serious challenges they face in the delivery of health care. Fight4Rx is a non-partisan grassroots effort of the National Community Pharmacists Association aimed at educating patients about the value of their local community pharmacy.

Pharmacists play a role everyday in the lives of patients by improving health care while reducing costs. With health care reform Washington, DC looming this year, it is vital that patients remain engaged in protecting their access to safe and affordable medicine. Fight4Rx provides you with the tools you need to learn about the changing health care market, and how your community pharmacy plays a key role.

"America's patients and their families greatly value their community pharmacists and the personalized services they provide," said Bruce T. Roberts, RPh, executive vice president and CEO of NCPA. "Fight4Rx patients will have a new forum during the health care reform debate in Washington, DC. They will be able to research issues and speak directly to their legislators about key concerns affecting their access to prescription medication and services by their local community pharmacies."

Fight4Rx includes issue briefs on pharmacy patient issues, Medicare and health care news updates, and a video blog on the home page with regular updates from pharmacy industry experts. Patients will receive a monthly e-mail newsletter that will update them on key pharmacy issues and the latest breaking news. When necessary, Fight4Rx will encourage patients to contact their elected officials (via a 1-800 number or e-mail).

Fight4Rx patients will sign up through their local community pharmacies. These pharmacies on average interact with over 100 patients per day. Already 1,000 pharmacies have begun recruiting patients, putting the initial goal of 50,000 Fight4Rx patients by the end of 2009 well within reach.

"I believe the Fight4Rx online community will lead us to fair and common-sense health care policies in the United States by empowering patients to let their voices be heard in establishing the pharmacy home of their choice," said Holly Henry, RPh, NCPA president and Seattle, Washington pharmacy owner.