PharmD students propel legislative advocacy at Student Legislative Day 2026

On Feb. 17, PharmD students from The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy made their way to the Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus for the Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) Student Legislative Day. 

This annual event allows student pharmacists to meet with legislators to educate them about pharmacy-related issues. Seven Ohio schools were represented, with 39 students and six faculty members from Ohio State. 

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., students immersed themselves in professional advocacy, attending a legislative briefing and breakout sessions at the Renaissance hotel in downtown Columbus and meeting with lawmakers at the Ohio Statehouse. This allowed students to develop conversations they wouldn't traditionally have in the classroom. 

As the day closed out, Ohio's pharmacy students left with a new level of involvement with the legislation that directly impacts pharmacy practice. Through this experience, students strengthened their foundation for advocacy.