SERVICE AND INVOLVEMENT
Health Fairs
Throughout my time at the Harrison School of Pharmacy, I have had the opportunity to participate in several health fairs. I was able to take part in the Script Your Future initiative at the Auburn United Methodist Church Food Pantry. The event was focused on promoting the importance of medication adherence, but I also checked people's blood pressure and answered medication-related questions. Our Home Pharmacy in Auburn, AL hosted a Medication Take-Back/Health Fair in which I had the opportunity to discuss healthy lifestyle changes and counsel people on their target cholesterol levels.
One of the most unique health fairs I participated in took place on Syrup Sopping Day in Loachapoka, AL. Ironically, I checked people's blood glucose levels and counseled them on their goals as well as signs and symptoms of hypo/hyperglycemia. I also participated in a flu shot clinic hosted by Walgreens at the Auburn University Student Center, which offered students easy access to the vaccine in order to reduce the incidence and transmission of the virus throughout campus.
Legislative Day
Legislative Day takes place each year in Montgomery, AL, and it is a great way for both pharmacists and pharmacy students to advocate for the profession. We had the opportunity to participate in an "Eggs and Issues" breakfast which gave us the opportunity to sit down with Alabama lawmakers and discuss important issues that affect the profession of pharmacy. Some of the current issues affecting pharmacists in Alabama today include:
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Collaborative practice agreement
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Allowing pharmacies to accept unused and expired medications for destruction
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Use of automated dispensing machines in nursing homes
Down Syndrome of Alabama
The Buddy Walk is an annual event sponsored by Down Syndrome of Alabama (DSA) and is intended to raise awareness and offer support for people with Down syndrome. I have attended this event in Birmingham, AL for the past four years and have been involved with DSA by volunteering to provide childcare at regional meetings in Gadsden, AL. Through DSA and the Buddy Walk, I have come to understand how smart, cheerful, and full of life people with Down syndomre truly are. It is very rewarding to be involved with such a great organization.
Relay for Life
I have attended Relay for Life in years past in honor of a former teammate and friend who was affected by cancer. Last spring, I joined forces with a group of my friends to form a team that raised money for the American Cancer Society to support research that offers hope in winning the fight against this deadly disease. I feel our efforts proved successful as our team raised roughly $1200 toward this cause.
5K Runs
I enjoy participating in 5K runs on occasion, especially when they are in support of a good cause. The Color Me Rad 5K, which raised money for the Children's Miracle Network, was very entertaining as I was "color-bombed" throughout the entire course. I also enjoyed participating in the Harrison School of Pharmacy Health and Wellness 5K. The proceeds of this event were donated in support of Mercy Medical Clinic, which provides quality, compassionate healthcare to the medically underserved of Auburn, AL and the surrounding area.
Hargreaves Day
Since I have been in pharmacy school, Hargreaves Day has been one of the days I have looked forward to most each year. Not only do I enjoy spending time with my colleagues outside of school, I also enjoy the competitive nature of the day. For the past two years I have participated on the baseball team (which has won first place on both occasions), thus helping our class - the Blue Barracudas - become back-to-back Hargreaves Day Champions!