Advocacy has long stood as one of the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association’s essential pillars. That pillar demonstrated its importance and strength on Wednesday, Sept. 16, as a record-topping number of participants united in Washington D.C. for HOPA In-Person Hill Day, bringing today’s pressing cancer care concerns and constructive policy conversations to the Capitol.
During a full day of positive, face-to-face meetings across both parties in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 49 HOPA members, staff, pharmacy residents, caregivers, and patient advocates discussed solutions to several of the key issues facing hematology/oncology pharmacists and their patients with the offices of their elected officials. That number tops the previous high of 45 participants, set just last fall.
Some of the critical advocacy topics brought to the forefront during this year’s In-Person Hill Day were:
- Encouraging support for the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, which would implement reforms to the Medicare Advantage prior authorization process, helping ensure seniors can access the tests, treatments, and medications they need in a timely manner
- Advocating for the Cancer Drug Parity Act, which would help eliminate the financial disparity between oral and IV chemotherapy, breaking down some of the barriers between cancer patients and their potentially life-saving medications
- Continuing to pursue solutions to the growing number of drug shortages plaguing current cancer care, causing delays and complications in patients’ treatments across the country
By the end of the day, 2026’s In-Person Hill Day advocacy efforts resulted in more than 70 meetings on Capitol Hill – with highlights such as discussing HOPA’s key hem/onc pharmacy topics directly with Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), who also serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. In total, HOPA Hill Day participants reached elected representatives from 22 states, including Nevada for the first time in the in-person event’s history.
The number of states reached and meetings held added up to a strong and stirring showing of advocacy from our proud pharmacists, residents, cancer survivors, staff, advocates, and HOPA members. It was a day well spent, forging real progress and positivity for the hem/onc pharmacy profession and – most important – the patients whose lives often depend on it.
Still More Work to Do
2026’s In-Person Hill Day registered another notable milestone for HOPA’s urgent messages. However, while this year’s Hill Day has ended, the organization’s advocacy shows no sign of stopping as it aims to turn this positive moment into productive momentum.
HOPA will continue its conversations on concerns new and recurring with elected officials in Washington, D.C. next spring with its annual virtual edition of HOPA Hill Day.
Between then and now, however, we can all keep the progress moving in the right direction by participating in HOPA’s letter-writing campaign. Available in HOPA’s Legislative Action Center, the ongoing campaign offers simple guidance and easy-to-use sample messages on the critical issues discussed at this past HOPA Hill Day. Even if you couldn’t attend Hill Day, your powerful voice can still be heard and be the difference.
Click here to visit the Legislative Action Center and get started making a difference. And for more information on HOPA’s future advocacy events and activities, click here.
