Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy at East Tennessee State University Awarded High Honor

PRESS RELEASE

The student chapter of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) at the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy at East Tennessee State University was recently awarded a high honor from the NCPA Foundation.

The group earned first-runner up for 2015 NCPA Student Chapter of the Year. The award recognizes commitment to community service, recruiting new members, promoting independent community pharmacy, and advocating legislative action.

Members were presented with a certificate of achievement for their efforts during the NCPA’s annual convention earlier this month in Washington, DC.

Roughly 35 students at the pharmacy school are members of the NCPA chapter.

Aaron Garst, a fourth-year pharmacy student and president of the chapter in 2014-2015, was also awarded the presidential scholarship, recognizing academic achievement and leadership within independent pharmacy.

The Gatton student chapter developed several new initiatives over the previous year leading to recognition, including hosting a Pharmacy Ownership Boot Camp in conjunction with Cardinal Health, a bone marrow donor drive with Delete Bone Cancer, development of a monthly legislative newsletter, and several community outreach programs.

Student pharmacists also developed an educational program in April at Hope House in Kingsport, focusing on safe use of OTC medications in pregnancy, lactation, and children.

“I understand our efforts in women’s health were especially remarkable to the reviewers,” said Dr. Jeffery Gray, one of two advisors for the group. “I am very proud of the chapter.”