For Tomorrow's Pharmacists, NACDS Backs Graduation Promise Act

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 29 Sep 2007 - 15:00 PDT

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In a letter written to Chairman Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Ranking Member Michael Enzi (R-WY), both of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) voiced its support for the Graduation Promise Act (S.1185). The letter, sent by NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, requests the inclusion of the legislation in the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (S.1775).

"This legislation would benefit the community pharmacy industry led by NACDS. We represent nearly 200 chain community pharmacy companies with annual sales totaling nearly $700 billion. Pharmacists are among the most highly regarded professionals, and still, 15 percent of Americans live in states where it is difficult to fill open positions for pharmacists. By strengthening our education system and preparing high school students for the workforce, the Graduation Promise Act will help the community pharmacy industry be better equipped to continue serving our communities," Anderson wrote.

The Graduation Promise Act calls for a state-led, comprehensive system for high school improvement and accountability. It creates a federal-state-local partnership to identify low-performing high schools and provide them with the resources to graduate students with skills for the workforce of tomorrow. The legislation provides for research-based, comprehensive interventions, while recognizing the need for state and local flexibility and leadership.

"A quality education is critical to the success of our young people, and our country," Anderson said. "From multinational corporations to small businesses, the nation's economy needs well educated workers in order to thrive. But we have a large challenge afoot: approximately three out of 10 students do not graduate from high school on time, if at all. Although education is primarily a state and local responsibility, federal leadership is required to address this national problem. The Graduation Promise Act (S.1185) would provide this leadership."

The legislation is a priority of the America 's Promise Alliance, of which Anderson serves as a Trustee.

http://www.nacds.org