Dublin-based Cardinal Health has announced the launch of an independent pharmacy advocacy initiative by the global medical- and lab-products manufacturer and distributor.

The company’s One Voice Initiative was devised to provide direct financial assistance to state pharmacy associations for the purpose of supporting independent pharmacists’ advocacy efforts, according to a news release.

The investment expands Cardinal Health’s longstanding advocacy around the future of independent pharmacies and ongoing partnerships with industry organizations to support pharmacists’ efforts to build relationships with elected officials at all levels of government, company officials said in the release.

“The independent pharmacy community is a powerful voice with legislators as community-based healthcare providers,” said Brad Cochran, Cardinal Health executive vice president, pharmaceutical and specialty distribution. “We have been a steadfast advocate for independent pharmacy and the Cardinal Health One Voice Initiative for pharmacy advocacy builds on the momentum within this community by further enhancing their collective voice in health-care policy discussions.”

As part of the initiative, the company plans to expand the support into additional states based on access to advocacy opportunities for the independent pharmacy community.

“We have consistently heard from lawmakers that pharmacists sharing the impact healthcare policies have on their patients is the most impactful way to create meaningful change,” said Michelle Britt, senior vice president, Retail Independent Sales at Cardinal. “The goal of the One Voice Initiative is to support the impressive advocacy efforts of the pharmacy community and encourage active participation in advocacy across our nationwide network of pharmacies so that they can work directly with lawmakers on the future of pharmacy.”