3-25-08

Media Release

Pharmacy Outreach Program Offers Health Screening, Information

CORVALLIS, Ore. – More than 30 professional pharmacy students at Oregon State University will fan out to 10 sites across the state on Saturday, March 29, to check blood pressure, screen for diabetes, and talk one-on-one to Oregonians about their various health issues and concerns.

The OSU Student Outreach Day will provide an opportunity for local residents to get free information about health topics and the risks they may face, while the students learn more about the evolving role of pharmacists as health care communicators and providers in their local communities.

“The profession of pharmacy has changed so much in recent years, and this program will help more people understand the broad range of services a modern pharmacist can provide,” said Sandra Widows, a pharmacy student and one of the event organizers. “At the same time, as students we will learn more about the services provided in the field, get a chance to help some people and also make contacts in the professional world.”

Events will be held at:

• Hood River, Safeway Pharmacy, 2249 Cascade Ave.

• Hermiston, Safeway, 990 Highway 395 S.

• La Grande, Red Cross Pharmacy, 1123 Adams Ave.

• Redmond, Safeway, 1705 S. Highway 97

• Coos Bay/Coquille, Fred Meyer, 1020 S. First Ave.

• Newport, Good Samaritan

• Tillamook, Tillamook Pharmacy, 915 Main St.

• Myrtle Creek, Pharmacy Express, 909 S. Main St.

• Grants Pass, Service Drug Store, 1204 N.W. 6th St.

• Medford, West Main Pharmacy, 2355 Jacksonville Highway

The available services will vary by site. Among them will be cholesterol information, blood pressure screening, information on smoking cessation, osteoporosis and poison prevention, immunizations, diabetes screening, medication review, and other topics. Anyone interested should contact local sites for more information on their services, times of program operation and other details.

“Some of this is to alert people to health issues they may not be aware of, and other parts are more informational about how to make good life and health choices,” Widows said. “Every site will have a licensed pharmacist supervising the project and activities.”

The event is one part of a “statewide patient care initiative” at the OSU College of Pharmacy, an effort to share the talents of college students, faculty and staff more broadly across the state. Oregon residents, many in smaller cities or rural areas, get additional health assistance, and students gain a chance to interact with working pharmacy professionals and learn more about their profession.

College officials and students say they hope to expand the program in the future.